A devastating event occurred at a central Pennsylvania hospital on Saturday, leading to the death of a police officer and a gunman, as confirmed by law enforcement. Officer Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department was killed in the line of duty while responding to a report of an active threat at UPMC Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, at approximately 10:43 a.m.
The West York Borough Police Department expressed their grief over the loss of Officer Duarte, who they hailed as a hero in a social media post. The incident has left the community in a state of mourning.
The Pennsylvania State Police have confirmed that no patients were injured during the incident. The five-story, 104-bed hospital was quickly secured following the shooting. However, it is still unclear if there were any other casualties.
The shooter was also confirmed dead, and law enforcement reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat. The hospital was declared safe and secure.
In the wake of the shooting, Susan Manko, the Vice President of Public Relations for UPMC, advised off-duty employees to stay at home and directed visitors to park in a lot across the hospital.
The investigation into the incident is being supported by state and local authorities, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was briefed on the situation and arrived at the hospital shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday.
State officials have announced that a press conference will be held to provide further details about the incident.