Multiple people were killed in a shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday evening, October 9, 2026, authorities said. The suspected gunman was found dead inside a residence from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said the incident was contained and that there was no continuing threat to the public. Investigators remained at the scene and were expected to provide further information on Saturday.
Officers responded shortly before 5 p.m. local time after witnesses reported seeing a person fire a weapon and enter a nearby home. The shooting occurred along the 700 block of Perry Street, where police later found victims both inside and outside the residence.
Authorities have not released a complete victim count or identified those killed. Police Chief Rick Lorah described the scene as among the most difficult and heartbreaking he had encountered during nearly three decades in law enforcement.
| 1) | Police respond to reported gunfire in Erie |
| 2) | Officers secure the Perry Street residence |
| 3) | Authorities report multiple deaths and identify the suspected gunman |
| 4) | Officials reassure residents that the threat has ended |
| 5) | Criminal investigation continues as details remain limited |
Police respond to reported gunfire in Erie
Erie police were called to a home on the 700 block of Perry Street shortly before 5 p.m. Friday after witnesses reported seeing an individual fire a weapon before entering the residence. The response brought officers to the neighborhood as police worked to determine what had happened and whether anyone remained in danger.
Witnesses told investigators that the person believed to be the shooter ran into a nearby home. Officers then established a perimeter while emergency personnel and investigators assessed the scene. The initial reports led to a large police response because the location was occupied and the number of potential victims was not immediately known.
Officers secure the Perry Street residence
The Erie SWAT team and numerous police officers surrounded the residence before obtaining a warrant and entering the property. The operation was conducted as authorities sought to secure the home, locate victims and determine whether the suspected gunman was still inside.
Chief Rick Lorah said the circumstances were exceptionally distressing and that investigators were still working to establish the sequence of events. He described the location as a horrific scene, noting that deaths had occurred both inside and outside the residence.
“This is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking scenes our officers and investigators have ever encountered. The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing,” Chief Rick Lorah said.
Authorities report multiple deaths and identify the suspected gunman
Police confirmed that multiple people had died in the shooting, including the suspected gunman. Chief Rick Lorah told local media that the suspected shooter was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Lorah confirmed that two women were among those killed but did not provide a final number of victims. Authorities also had not released the identities of the victims or the suspected gunman. Those details were expected to depend on the completion of investigative and notification procedures.
Officials reassure residents that the threat has ended
The city of Erie said the incident had resulted in multiple deaths but that the situation was contained and there was no ongoing threat to the public. The statement was intended to reassure residents as police continued processing the scene and determining what led to the shooting.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by tonight’s tragedy,” the city said in a statement.
City officials said they were working with the Erie Police Department and would provide additional information when verified details became available. Residents were urged to rely on official updates while investigators continued their work.
Criminal investigation continues as details remain limited
The department’s Criminal Investigations Division continued processing the crime scene and gathering evidence. Police said Chief Rick Lorah was expected to provide an update Saturday morning, although the timing and content of that briefing could depend on the progress of the investigation.
Authorities had not publicly explained the relationship between the victims and the suspected gunman, identified a motive or released a complete account of the shooting. The investigation remained active, and officials emphasized that further information would be released only after it had been verified.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Multiple people were killed in a shooting on Perry Street in Erie. |
| 2 | The suspected gunman was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. |
| 3 | Police confirmed that two women were among the victims but did not release a final total. |
| 4 | Officials said there was no ongoing threat to the public. |
| 5 | Investigators continued processing the scene and working to establish what happened. |
Summary
A deadly shooting in Erie left multiple people dead, including the suspected gunman, according to authorities. Police secured a Perry Street residence, confirmed that two women were among the victims and said the public faced no continuing threat. Investigators had not yet released a final death toll, motive or other details as the criminal investigation continued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred along the 700 block of Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania.
How many people were killed?
Authorities confirmed multiple deaths and said two women were among the victims, but they had not released a final victim count.
What happened to the suspected gunman?
Police said the suspected gunman was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Was there an ongoing threat to the public?
The city of Erie said the situation had been contained and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.