According to state officials, one officer was killed and at least five others were shot in a hostage situation at a hospital in York County, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
The suspect, Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, arrived at UPMC Memorial in West Manchester Township carrying a semi-automatic handgun and zip ties at approximately 10:30 a.m, according to reports.
He then went to the ICU and took several hospital staff hostage, officials said during a press conference Saturday afternoon.
"This is a huge loss to our community," York County District Attorney Tim Barker said at a press conference Saturday. "Officer Duarte gave his life protecting others."
Police are on the scene of an incident at UPMC Memorial Hospital, Feb. 22, 2025, in York, Pa.
Harrison Jones/York Daily Record via USA Today Network via Imagn Images
Ortiz shot a doctor, nurse, and custodian at the hospital; all are now in stable condition, according to officials. During the incident, three police officers were shot, tragically resulting in one fatality.
The borough confirmed that West York Borough police officer Andrew Duarte was killed in the shooting. The other two officers are hospitalized and in stable condition.
Law enforcement from various agencies, including West York Borough Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and the York County Quick Response Team, responded to the incident.
Officers tried to negotiate with Ortiz, but he exited the ICU holding a hospital staff member at gunpoint, her hands restrained with zip ties.
"The officers were left with no recourse," Barker said. "They opened fire, killing Ortiz and preventing further loss of life."
"After reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements, it is absolutely clear and beyond any doubt that the officers acted lawfully in using deadly force," he said. "Quite frankly, they needed to—because by doing so, they potentially saved even more lives."
UPMC said no patients have been injured.
State police remained at the scene while conducting the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet given a motive for the attack.
Barker expressed gratitude for the swift response from law enforcement.
When questioned regarding the shooter's link to the ICU, Barker chose not to share specifics due to privacy issues, but mentioned that the event seemed to be “targeted at the ICU." He noted that Ortiz had interacted with the ICU earlier in the week concerning a medical issue involving another individual.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of West York Borough police officer Andrew Duarte.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Officer Andrew Duarte joined the department in 2022 after serving 5 years with the Denver Police Department.
Borough leaders say you are welcome to lay flowers at 1381 West Poplar Street to show support.
We also pray for the other officers who were injured.
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