Erie Shooting Leaves Nine Dead Including Two Children

Nine people, including two young children and the suspected gunman, were found dead after a mass shooting at a residence on Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday evening, October 9, 2026. Police responded to reports of two women being shot outside a home shortly before 5 p.m., but officers found all nine victims dead when they arrived, according to WTAE.

The investigation centers on the 700 block of Perry Street on Erie's East Side. Authorities said officers received a ShotSpotter alert and reached the scene within minutes. The suspected gunman was found dead from what officials believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to WTAE's reporting.

Police Chief Rick Lorah described the incident as unprecedented in his more than 28 years in law enforcement. He told a local news station that the scale of the loss had deeply affected the city.

"I have not seen anything like this in my 28-plus years. I'm not sure that the city of Erie has ever seen the loss of life and the devastation that we just witnessed." Chief Rick Lorah said.

In comments reported by WTAE, Lorah also emphasized the magnitude of the deaths and the conditions officers encountered at the scene.

"Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy. There are no words that can adequately be expressed the magnitude of the loss of life here." Chief Rick Lorah said.

The chief characterized the location as an exceptionally disturbing crime scene, with fatalities both inside and outside the residence. His remarks underscored the extent of the loss as investigators worked to establish what happened.

"Yeah, it's a horrific scene." Chief Rick Lorah said.

Lorah subsequently described where the victims were found and the severity of the incident.

"There was a large loss of life inside that residence and outside that residence." Chief Rick Lorah said.

He reiterated that the incident had resulted in a devastating loss of life.

"I can tell you that this is a tragic, tragic situation." Chief Rick Lorah said.

Witnesses told WTAE they saw a gunman run into a nearby home after the shooting of the two women. Officers surrounded the property and forced their way inside after obtaining a warrant, where they discovered multiple bodies, including those of two young children. Investigators have not established whether the victims knew the suspected gunman or what led to the violence.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he had offered state assistance to Erie Mayor Daria Devlin following the shooting. In a statement posted on X, he expressed condolences to the victims' relatives and the wider community.

"I've spoken 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."

Gov. Josh Shapiro said.

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly also issued a statement expressing support for those affected by the deaths.

"May we hold the victims, their families, and those impacted by this tragedy in our hearts." Rep. Mike Kelly said.

Police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not publicly established a motive or confirmed the relationship between the suspected gunman and the victims.