ERIE, Pennsylvania. —
Crime scene tape still surrounds the home where eight people tragically lost their lives in a mass shooting Friday.
Officers were called to Erie’s East Side shortly before 5 p.m. after receiving reports that two women had been shot outside the home on Perry Street.
Authorities say before they were shot, they were outside the home and banging on the door. When the door opened, the 45-year-old gunman, a family member of the seven people killed, shot the two women.
Authorities say police were on scene within minutes of receiving a ShotSpotter alert, but by that time all of the victims were already dead.
Among the dead were a pregnant woman, two young children and a family friend.
Video below: Rick Lorah press conference
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah has repeatedly told WJET, our ABC affiliate in Erie, that the number of lives lost in the 700 block of Perry Street was not only devastating, but that the crime scene was by far the worst he had ever seen in his law enforcement career.
What we know about the victims
After the shooting of the two women, the shooter was seen running towards a nearby house.
Officers surrounded the home before forcing entry after obtaining a warrant.
Once inside, officials say “officers were met with an eerie silence.” Police found several bodies, including those of a 5-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl.
Authorities say the two young children were found on the first floor of the home, while the rest of the victims were found in a stairwell on the second floor.
Among the victims in that stairwell was the 24-year-old woman who was 8 months pregnant when she was killed.
The victims
- 51 year old woman
- 37 year old woman
- 5 year old boy
- 1 year old girl
- 24 year old woman, pregnant
- 44 year old woman
- 19 year old man
- 21 year old man
That shooter was also found dead from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and everyone affected by this tragedy. There are no words to adequately express the magnitude of the loss of life here,” said Chief Lorah.
Original coverage of the shoot below:
“Horrible scene”
“Yeah, it’s a horrible scene,” Lorah replied. “There was a significant loss of life inside and outside of this residence.” Lorah then added, “I can tell you it’s a tragic, tragic situation.”
An investigation into the causes of the shooting is still underway.
Statement from Governor Shapiro
Gov. Josh Shapiro is among many to offer condolences following Friday night’s mass shooting.
“I spoke 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,” Shapiro posted on X.
Republican Rep. Mike Kelly also released a statement, saying he was praying for the Erie community after the devastating events in Erie.
“May we hold in our hearts the victims, their families and those affected by this tragedy,” Kelly said in part.
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