Authorities in Erie, Pennsylvania, reported nine people dead, including children and a suspect who died by suicide, following a mass shooting on Friday night.
Nine people, including children, died following a shooting and subsequent police standoff in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday evening. Authorities reported that the gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The City of Erie confirmed the death toll on Saturday morning, though it remained unclear if the suspect was included in the total of nine fatalities.
Erie police responded to the vicinity of 7th and Perry Streets just before 5 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, after a ShotSpotter alert and witness reports of a man firing a weapon. Witnesses told investigators that the gunman shot two women on a sidewalk before entering a nearby residence. A tactical response followed, which included a standoff.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah stated that investigators found all victims deceased before officers arrived at the scene. The city clarified that loud noises heard during the police response were flash-bang devices used by law enforcement, not additional gunfire. Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook confirmed that two children were among those found dead inside the home.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated he offered the full support of his administration to the city. Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook is expected to release victim identities, and Mayor Daria Devlin is scheduled to hold a press conference at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Efforts to establish a motive remain ongoing.