Erie, Pennsylvania shooter killed 8 people, then himself, police say

A 45-year-old man killed eight people and then himself in a shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, authorities announced on Saturday. The shooter, whose identity remains unknown, died of an apparent self-inflicted wound before police arrived at the scene, Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah announced during a press conference. Lorah described the tragic scene as one that "stays with you long after you leave them."

Police have yet to determine a motive for the shooting. Eight of the nine victims were family members, while the other was a family friend. After entering the home, the shooter emerged and shot two women who were pacing back and forth, apparently seeking assistance from neighbors. Police located the suspect on the second floor of the home on Perry Street.

Erie Mayor Daria Devlin described the police department's arrival at the scene as "horrific," acknowledging the unimaginable circumstances they faced and their courageous response. Devlin noted that members of the police force are also part of the community and will bear the weight of the tragedy. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed support for Mayor Devlin, offering condolences following the mass shooting.

Shapiro, who has long advocated for gun safety measures, had previously pushed for reforms such as universal background checks and restrictions on ghost guns during the 2024 legislative session; however, several of his proposals have faced obstacles in the state legislature. In 2026, Pennsylvania has experienced over 400 mass shootings, according to data from Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as one involving four or more people shot, excluding the shooter. The most recent mass shootings in Pennsylvania occurred in July in Philadelphia.