9 people dead in Erie, Pennsylvania mass shooting

This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. End of dialog window. ERIE, Pa. (WJET) — Nine people are dead after what Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) described as a mass shooting in the city of Erie Friday night. Erie officials also confirmed Saturday morning that nine people lost their lives in what they’re describing as a tragedy. According to the city, officers arrived on the scene within minutes of receiving a ShotSpotter alert, but they said investigators found that all deaths happened before law enforcement arrived. Officials also clarified that sounds heard as police responded were not gunfire, rather, they were flash bangs that were part of law enforcement’s tactical response. Erie Mayor Daria Devlin’s office urged residents to “exercise care in sharing information,” citing “unverified reports and speculation” that circulated since the incident. Erie police were called to the scene just before 5 p.m. Friday evening. Witnesses told police the gunman then ran into a nearby home. Law enforcement first confirmed that two women were fatally shot on a sidewalk outside a home. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah later confirmed that the shooter is also dead from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook, two children were also found deceased inside the home. Shapiro released a brief statement Saturday morning, saying, “I’ve spoken with Mayor Devlin and offered my Administration’s full support following the tragic mass shooting in Erie last night — killing nine of our fellow Pennsylvanians.” “My heart breaks for this family. Lori and I are praying for their loved ones and the entire Erie community.” Erie Mayor Daria Devlin is expected to address the city and provide more information at a press conference at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.