ERIE, PA | Saturday, October 10, 2026
DEVELOPING STORY | Updated Early Saturday Afternoon
A devastating mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, has left nine people dead, including two children and the suspected gunman, following a violent incident and lengthy police standoff Friday evening.
The tragedy unfolded October 9 in the area of Perry Street and East 7th Street on the city’s east side, prompting a massive response from Erie Police and tactical law enforcement personnel.
According to the latest reporting, eight victims were killed, and the suspected shooter was also found dead.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the incident as among the most horrific scenes he has encountered in more than 28 years of law enforcement.
What Happened Friday Evening?
According to preliminary information reported by local authorities and Erie News Now, police were dispatched at approximately 4:52 p.m. Friday following reports of gunfire near a residence on Perry Street.
Witnesses reportedly observed a man firing a handgun outside a home before entering the residence.
When responding officers arrived, they discovered two women who had been fatally shot outside the property.
The suspected gunman was believed to have barricaded himself inside the residence, leading to a standoff involving Erie Police and SWAT personnel.
Officers reportedly attempted to communicate with the individual and ordered him to surrender.
Additional gunshots were heard from within the home during the standoff.
When tactical officers eventually entered the residence, they discovered additional deceased victims, including children.
The suspected gunman was also found deceased. Preliminary reports indicate that his death resulted from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Two Children Among Those Killed
Authorities and multiple news organizations have reported that two children were among those who lost their lives.
The victims’ identities had not been publicly released as of early Saturday afternoon.
Investigators have also not publicly established a motive or confirmed the relationship between the suspected shooter and those killed.
Police are continuing to reconstruct the events surrounding the shooting, including what occurred before officers arrived and during the subsequent standoff.
Erie Police Chief Calls Scene Devastating
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah spoke about the extraordinary severity of the tragedy, describing the circumstances confronting responding officers and investigators as deeply disturbing.
Lorah acknowledged the tremendous loss of life and the emotional impact the incident has had on the community and emergency personnel.
He also reassured residents that the suspected shooter was deceased and that there was no continuing threat to public safety.
Investigators are expected to spend considerable time processing evidence and establishing the complete sequence of events.
City of Erie Confirms No Ongoing Public Threat
In a statement released Friday evening, City of Erie officials confirmed that the incident had been contained and the suspected shooter was deceased.
Officials emphasized that residents were not facing an ongoing threat connected to the incident.
The city also extended condolences to the victims’ families, loved ones, and everyone impacted by the tragedy.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid sharing unverified information or speculation as investigators continue their work and families receive notification.
Pennsylvania Governor Responds
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the tragedy Saturday and said he had offered the full support of his administration to Erie Mayor Daria Devlin.
The incident has drawn statewide and national attention as Erie residents grapple with the devastating loss of life.
Additional Information Expected Saturday
City officials have announced a news conference scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 10, to provide additional information.
The briefing is expected to be livestreamed through the City of Erie’s official Facebook and YouTube channels.
Officials may provide further details concerning the victims, investigation, and circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Until additional verified information is released, residents are encouraged to rely on official statements from the Erie Police Department and City of Erie.
Erie County Blotter Statement
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with every family affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
We also recognize the police officers, dispatchers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, investigators, and other first responders who answered these calls and confronted an unimaginable scene.
Incidents involving children and multiple fatalities can leave lasting emotional effects on everyone involved, including emergency personnel.
We ask our readers to respect the privacy of grieving families and refrain from spreading rumors, speculation, or unconfirmed identities.
For anyone struggling emotionally following this tragedy, confidential support is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24 hours a day, by calling or texting 988.
Erie County Blotter will continue following this investigation and publish additional verified information as it becomes available.
Erie County Blotter | Independent Community News & Public Safety Reporting
Leave a Reply