Nine people, including a pregnant woman and two children, were killed in a shooting at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, October 9, 2026, when a 45-year-old man related to several victims shot and killed eight others before taking his own life, authorities said.
The shooting unfolded around 5 p.m. when two women arrived at the home and were shot by the gunman as they approached the door. The man, who was related to seven of the victims, then returned inside the residence, where police later found the bodies of a 5-year-old boy, a 1-year-old girl, and four other family members on the second-floor stairwell. The shooter was found dead on the second floor with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah told reporters Saturday that seven of the victims were family members while another was a family friend.
Investigating Victims and Scene
The pregnant woman was 8 months along, according to Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah. Officers described the scene inside the home as “horrific,” with a large loss of life inside that residence and outside that residence,
Lorah said. Police initially said there were nine victims but didn’t disclose if the shooter was included in that count.
Witnesses reported hearing muffled gunshots before the two women arrived at the house. The gunman then emerged and shot them as they ran toward him, according to Lorah. Police arrived within minutes of receiving a ShotSpotter alert. No additional shots were fired after that, though flashbang devices used by SWAT teams were mistaken for gunfire by some witnesses. CNN cited Lorah’s statement that sounds that may have been mistaken for gunfire came from flashbang devices — chemical munitions — used by SWAT officers.
Addressing Tragedy and Community Impact
Erie Mayor Daria Devlin addressed the families of the victims during the news conference, emphasizing the community’s grief and support. I am so deeply sorry.
What happened to you was horrific, and there is nothing that any of us can say today that will make this any easier.
But you do need to know that our entire community is with you, we’re grieving with you.
And we are here to support you,
she said. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro offered his administration’s full support, stating, My heart breaks for this family.
The City of Erie and Devlin released a joint statement assuring residents the threat had passed, noting the shooter was deceased and “there is no ongoing threat or danger to the public at this time.”
Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, stating, Please do not allow rumors, speculation or unverified information to add to the pain that these families are already experiencing.
She emphasized the importance of waiting for official updates as the investigation continues. Erie is about 120 miles (190 kilometers) north of Pittsburgh.
The shooting has left the community in shock, with neighbors gathering for a memorial. Police have not yet discussed motive, but investigators will talk to other relatives and examine the cellphones of the women who were killed outside the home. They knew something was going on at that house,
Lorah said, adding that investigators would examine the cellphones of the women who were killed outside the home.
Reviewing Eyewitness Accounts and Police Tactics
Lorah explained that officers did not hear a cry for help or see movement inside the home, which influenced their decision to wait before entering. Had any of those been heard, we would have made entry immediately,
he said.
Police deployed a drone and robot before entering the home, which was entered after getting a warrant. No other threats to public safety were reported, and the area has been cleared.
Calls for Caution and Community Support
As the investigation unfolds, officials have reiterated the need for caution and patience. There are no words that can be adequately expressed the magnitude of the loss of life here,
Lorah said. The community has come together to support the victims’ families, with local leaders emphasizing unity in the face of tragedy.
While the full details of the case remain under investigation, the tragedy highlights the profound impact of such events on individuals and communities.