A mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, has left nine people dead, including the suspected gunman, police said.
Officers were called to Perry Street at around 5pm on Friday after witnesses reported seeing a man fire a gun before entering a house. Two women were found dead in the street, while further victims were discovered inside the property.
The suspected shooter was also found dead with what police described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities said on Saturday morning that all nine deaths had occurred before officers arrived. No further shots were fired after police reached the scene, they said, adding that loud bangs heard during the response were flash-bangs used as part of the tactical operation.
Erie police chief Rick Lorah said the scale of the tragedy was difficult to express, while declining to provide details about what officers encountered.
“There are no words that can adequately express the magnitude of the loss of life here,” he said. “Out of respect for the victims and their loved ones, I will not discuss the specific details of what our officers encountered today. Our investigators are working diligently as we speak to establish the full circumstances of what occurred. We will not speculate about a motive or any information that could compromise this investigation.”
The City of Erie and Mayor Daria Devlin said the situation had been contained and that there was no continuing danger to the public.
“Tonight, a terrible tragedy occurred near 7th and Perry Streets in Erie, resulting in multiple deaths,” they said in a joint statement. “We understand that this news brings deep shock and sorrow to our residents, and we want to assure the public that the situation has been contained. The shooter is deceased, and there is no ongoing threat or danger to the public at this time.”
Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro said he had spoken to Mayor Devlin and offered his administration’s full support after the shooting.
“My heart breaks for this family. Lori and I are praying for their loved ones and the entire Erie community,” Mr Shapiro said.
The City of Erie and its police department were due to provide a further update at 4pm on Saturday.
