A tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital on Friday left a police officer and the gunman dead, with five others injured. Authorities have revealed that the attacker’s motive came from personal grief following the recent loss of a family member at the hospital.
The shooter, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, entered the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit armed with a semi-automatic pistol and zip ties. Police say he was emotionally distressed over the death of a loved one who had been receiving care at the facility. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the suspect opened fire and targeted hospital staff and law enforcement officers responding to the situation.
Officer Andrew Duarte, a veteran law enforcement official with the West York Borough Police Department, was fatally wounded during the confrontation. Duarte had previously served with the Denver Police Department before joining the force in Pennsylvania.
In addition to the fallen officer, five others were injured, including a doctor, a nurse, a hospital custodian, and two officers. As of Saturday, hospital officials confirmed that all five are in stable condition and receiving medical care.
The suspect was killed at the scene following an exchange of gunfire with police. Authorities have not disclosed whether he was shot by law enforcement or took his own life.
Governor Josh Shapiro ordered flags across Pennsylvania to be flown at half-staff in honor of Officer Duarte. “His bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten,” Shapiro stated in a press release.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the incident, reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the full sequence of events. The hospital remains closed to visitors as authorities assess safety measures and provide counseling services for affected staff and patients.
The shooting has left the York community in shock, with an outpouring of support for the victims and their families. UPMC Memorial Hospital released a statement expressing condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing their commitment to strengthening security protocols to prevent future tragedies.