Pennsylvania Shooting Kills Nine People Including Two Children

Nine people, including two children, were killed in a mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday evening, October 9, 2026, after a gunman allegedly opened fire on Perry Street and entered a home. Police responded around 5 p.m. and later found the suspect dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to local authorities.

Police confirmed the death toll on Saturday morning, October 10, and said all nine victims and the suspect had died before officers arrived. Authorities also clarified that no additional gunshots were fired after police reached the scene, with loud noises during the response attributed to flash-bang devices used by tactical personnel.

According to CBS affiliate Erie News Now, witnesses reported seeing a man firing a gun before he entered a residence on Perry Street. Police found two women dead in the street, while additional victims were discovered inside the home.

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the scale of the loss as difficult to express and said investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. He emphasized that authorities would not speculate about a possible motive or release details that could compromise the investigation.

"There are no words that can adequately express the magnitude of the loss of life here," said Rick Lorah, Erie Police Chief.

Lorah said investigators were withholding specific information about what officers encountered out of respect for the victims and their families. The investigation remained underway Saturday as authorities worked to determine the full circumstances of the deaths.

"Out of respect for the victims and their loved ones, I will not discuss the specific details of what our officers encountered today. Our investigators are working diligently as we speak to establish the full circumstances of what occurred. We will not speculate about a motive or any information that could compromise this investigation," said Rick Lorah, Erie Police Chief.

The City of Erie government and Mayor Daria Devlin issued a joint statement confirming that the situation had been contained and that the public faced no continuing threat. The statement also acknowledged the shock and grief experienced by residents following the shooting near 7th and Perry Streets.

"Tonight, a terrible tragedy occurred near 7th and Perry Streets in Erie, resulting in multiple deaths," the City of Erie government and Mayor Daria Devlin said in a joint statement.

The officials said the suspect was dead and that there was no ongoing danger to the community. They also expressed condolences to those affected by the violence.

"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 shooter is deceased, and there is no ongoing threat or danger to the public at this time. Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by tonight's tragedy," the City of Erie government and Mayor Daria Devlin said in a joint statement.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Saturday morning that he had spoken with Devlin and offered state assistance following the shooting. He also expressed sympathy for the victims' relatives and the broader Erie 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," Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement.

Shapiro also shared his condolences for the family affected by the shooting and said he and his wife were keeping the victims' loved ones and Erie residents in their thoughts and prayers.

"My heart breaks for this family. Lori and I are praying for their loved ones and the entire Erie community," Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement.

The City of Erie and the police department scheduled a public update on the shooting for 4 p.m. Saturday, October 10. KDKA-TV said it had contacted local law enforcement officials and would continue reporting developments as information became available.