Nine people, including two children, died in a mass shooting and subsequent SWAT standoff on the east side of Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday evening, October 9, 2026, and the suspected gunman was found dead inside the Perry Street residence from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Emergency responders rushed to the 700 block of Perry Street, near East 7th and East 8th streets, just before 5 p.m. following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire. Arriving officers discovered two women dead in the roadway outside a residence, both having suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head and face. Witnesses told authorities that they had seen a man firing a handgun outside the property before he entered the home.
One of the people killed was expecting a baby when the assault took place. Erie is a city of 94,831 people on the shore of Lake Erie.
Police and SWAT Surround Perry Street Residence
The Erie Bureau of Police SWAT Team surrounded the residence at 722 Perry St. After securing an emergency search warrant, tactical officers breached the home and moved through at least two floors. Investigators initially operated with limited information.
City officials later confirmed that all nine deaths occurred before officers arrived at the scene. Investigators noted that no additional gunshots were fired by the suspect after officers arrived, and sounds heard during the tactical operation that residents mistook for gunfire were actually flash-bangs deployed by law enforcement. The Erie Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division continues to investigate the shooting, working alongside the Erie County Coroner’s Office.
Police Chief Calls Scene Most Harrowing Ever Encountered
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah, facing nearly three decades in law enforcement, told reporters that the incident was the most harrowing and difficult scene he had ever encountered. The loss of life spanned both outside and inside the home.
“It’s a horrific scene. There was a large loss of life inside that residence and outside that residence. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy. There are no words that can adequately express the magnitude of the loss of life here.”
Chief Rick Lorah, Erie Police Department
Mayor Daria Devlin and the City of Erie released a combined message, conveying: “Tonight, a terrible tragedy occurred near 7th and Perry Streets in Erie, resulting in multiple deaths.” The announcement went on to explain: “We understand that this news brings deep shock and sorrow to our residents, and we want to assure the public that the situation has been contained. The perpetrator has died, meaning there is presently no active danger facing the community.”
Investigators Seek Motive as Coroner Processes Scene
The Erie County Coroner’s Office and major crimes investigators processed the scene through Friday night and into Saturday morning. Authorities have not yet publicly released the identities of the deceased or established a motive, noting that the relationship between the gunman and the victims is under active investigation. Department officials confirmed that psychological counseling services are being provided to all responding officers and first responders.
City officials and the Erie Police Department scheduled a press conference for Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. to share further verified details. Meanwhile, the city directed anyone affected by the tragedy seeking crisis counseling to reach out to Crisis Services at 814-456-2024.
