Pennsylvania police officer killed in hospital shooting; gunman dead, officials say

A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday morning at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County, Pennsylvania, leaving both a police officer and a gunman dead. The events began at around 10:45 a.m. when emergency services received a 911 call reporting an “active threat” at the hospital. Ted Czech, a public information officer with the York County Office of Emergency Management, confirmed that the situation was quickly escalated, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement. The details of what transpired inside the hospital are still coming to light, but it is clear that this was a devastating and unexpected act of violence that has shaken the entire community.

The officer who lost his life in the line of duty has been identified as Andrew Duarte, a member of the West York Borough Police Department. In a heartfelt post on the West York Borough Facebook page, Duarte was remembered as a hero and a dedicated public servant. The message extended condolences to his family, as well as to his fellow officers and colleagues in the police department. “Our community grieves the loss of a hero,” the post read, reflecting the deep sorrow felt by all who knew him and those he served. Duarte’s sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his bravery in the face of danger has inspired an outpouring of support and gratitude from the community.

Fortunately, no patients were injured during the incident, according to hospital spokesperson Susan Manko. She confirmed that the hospital was able to secure the premises quickly, and the situation was brought under control by law enforcement. Manko also emphasized the cooperation and rapid response of local authorities, expressing gratitude for their efforts to ensure the safety of everyone involved. “The gunman has been apprehended, and no patients have been injured. The hospital is now secure,” she stated. This Update provided some relief to the community, knowing that the immediate danger had been neutralized and that those inside the hospital were safe.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was swift in his response to the tragedy, taking to social media to acknowledge the incident and assure the public that he was en route to the hospital. “I’ve been briefed on the tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County and I am on my way to the scene,” Shapiro wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. He also highlighted the collaborative effort of state and local agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, which were actively involved in managing the situation. Shapiro urged residents to follow the instructions of local authorities and to avoid the area until further notice.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the hospital established a hotline to provide support to the families of patients who may have been affected by the incident. The hotline, available at 717-849-5338 or 717-849-5334, serves as a vital resource for those seeking information or assistance. This gesture underscores the hospital’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of not only its patients but also their loved ones during this difficult time.

As the community comes to terms with this senseless act of violence, it is clear that the loss of Officer Andrew Duarte has left a profound impact on everyone who knew him and those he protected. His selfless dedication to his duty and his ultimate sacrifice will be remembered as a testament to the courage and resilience of law enforcement officers everywhere. The incident also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by first responders and the importance of supporting them in their critical work. While the community mourns the loss of a hero, it also holds onto the hope that such tragedies will lead to greater awareness and efforts to prevent future acts of violence.