Nine killed in Erie, Pennsylvania shooting; suspect dead

Nine people, including two children, were killed in a shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 9, 2026. Police responded to reports of gunfire around 5 p.m. at the 700 block of Perry Street. Witnesses reported seeing a man fire a handgun outside a residence before entering the home; two women were found dead in the street. Erie Police and the SWAT team surrounded the house as the situation developed into a standoff. Officers repeatedly ordered the man inside to surrender. After securing a warrant, police entered the residence and discovered additional victims, including children, on multiple floors. The suspected shooter was found dead inside the home from what authorities described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound. There is no ongoing threat to the public.

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah stated this was the worst crime scene he had encountered in his 28-plus years in law enforcement. "The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing," Lorah said. He declined to confirm a motive or provide details about relationships between the victims and the suspect, saying the investigation would take time. Mayor Daria Devlin issued a statement calling the incident a "terrible tragedy" and assuring residents the situation was contained. Governor Josh Shapiro offered his administration's full support to the city on Saturday.

Erie County Coroner's Office and police processed the scene late into Friday night. Responding officers were offered counseling due to the nature of what they encountered. The investigation remained ongoing as of Saturday, with authorities working to establish the full circumstances of the shooting and determine whether victims and the suspect knew each other. Police have not released the identities of those killed.