Nine people are dead, including the suspected gunman, after a shooting at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania. It happened on Friday 9 October 2026, at about 5 p.m. Eastern time, on the city’s East Side.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public, which matters to anyone in Erie or travelling around the Great Lakes region. For readers across the United States, it is also a reminder to rely on official police and city updates while identities are confirmed.
Key Facts
—Who. Nine people died, including the suspected gunman; the gunman has not been identified.
—What. A shooting at a home left eight victims dead, including at least two children, and the suspected gunman dead of an apparent self-inflicted wound.
—Where. 722 Perry Street, near East 7th and Perry streets, on the East Side of Erie, Pennsylvania.
—When. Friday 9 October 2026, at about 5 p.m. Eastern time.
—Status. As of 10 October 2026, 20:40 GMT
What We Know
Erie is a city of Pennsylvania on Lake Erie, about 117 miles north of Pittsburgh. The shooting took place at a home at 722 Perry Street, near East 7th and Perry streets.
Officers went to the scene after a ShotSpotter alert, a system that uses sensors to detect gunfire and tell police where it came from. Police dispatch was at about 4:50 p.m., and officers arrived within minutes.
Two women were found dead on the sidewalk and street outside the home. Police and SWAT officers, a specially trained tactical team, then surrounded the house and obtained a search warrant.
When officers entered, they found more victims dead inside, including at least two children. In total, eight victims and the suspected gunman died.
Police say all of the deaths happened before officers arrived. No shots were fired after police got there, and the loud bangs heard nearby were police flash-bang devices, which make a loud noise and bright flash to disorient people.
The suspected gunman was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police have said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described “a horrific scene” and called it the “most difficult and heartbreaking” of his nearly 30 years in law enforcement. He added that “the loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing.”
Lorah also said he had not seen anything like it in more than 28 years in law enforcement. Mayor Daria Devlin said: “Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by tonight’s tragedy.”
Governor Josh Shapiro offered his administration’s full support to Mayor Devlin on Saturday. He is the governor of Pennsylvania.
Shapiro said: “My heart breaks for this family.” He added: “Lori and I are praying for their loved ones and the entire Erie community.”
A news conference with the mayor and police was scheduled for 4 p.m. Eastern on Saturday. We had not seen its details at the time of writing.
What Is Not Known
Police have not released the identity of the suspected gunman. They have also not named the victims or given their ages.
Officials have not said whether the gunman and the victims knew each other. No motive has been given, and we will not speculate on one.
Police have not given a count of any injured people. Further details are expected from official briefings, and we will add confirmed facts as they are released.
What It Means for Readers in the United States
Readers should wait for official identification from police before sharing names or images online. Unverified posts can cause further pain for grieving families.
Visitors to Erie and the wider Great Lakes region should follow guidance from the city and Erie police, who say there is no ongoing threat. The city and police are the best place to check for changes.
Shootings of this kind often prompt debate in the United States about gun laws and public safety. We report the facts here without taking a side, and we will keep the focus on what officials have confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Erie, Pennsylvania?
A shooting at a home at 722 Perry Street on Erie’s East Side on Friday 9 October 2026 left eight victims and the suspected gunman dead. Police responded at about 4:50 p.m. Eastern after a ShotSpotter gunshot-detection alert.
How many people died?
Nine people died, including the suspected gunman. Police say at least two of the victims were children.
Is there still a danger to the public?
Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public. They say all the deaths occurred before officers arrived and no shots were fired after police arrived.
Have the gunman and the victims been identified?
Not yet. Police have not released the identity of the suspected gunman, or the names and ages of the victims, and no motive has been given.
Sources
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief