Eight victims killed in Erie shooting; authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the public
Fauzia J. Choudhury:
— Eight people were killed in a shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, and the suspected gunman was also found dead, bringing the total death toll to nine, authorities said.
Police responded to reports of gunfire in the area of East Seventh and Perry streets at approximately 5 p.m. Friday. Authorities have not yet released extensive details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting or identified the victims.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the incident as one of the most devastating events of his nearly three decades in law enforcement. He said he had never witnessed a tragedy of this magnitude during his career.
The suspected shooter was also found dead. Authorities have not publicly established a motive for the violence, and the circumstances surrounding the gunman’s death remain under investigation.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Saturday that he had spoken with Erie Mayor Daria Devlin and offered the state’s full support to the city as the community responds to the tragedy.
Officials said there is no continuing threat to the public. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the shooting and gather information about what led to the deadly incident.
The shooting has left the Erie community grieving and renewed concerns about gun violence and public safety in the United States.
