A tragic and terrifying event unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, on Saturday morning. A gunman armed with a handgun and zip ties stormed into the hospital, targeting the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Once inside, he took several hospital staff members hostage, creating a tense and dangerous situation.
Chaos in the ICU
According to York County District Attorney Tim Barker, the gunman immediately went to the ICU, where he bound the hands of a female staff member and held her at gunpoint. In the chaos, a nurse and a hospital custodian were shot and injured, while a doctor was grazed by a bullet.
When police arrived, the suspect refused to surrender, leading to a violent shootout. He fired at officers, tragically killing West York police officer Andrew Duarte. Two other officers were also shot and wounded, but they are now in stable condition along with the injured hospital staff.
A Governor’s Response
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro visited the hospital after the tragedy, honoring the bravery of Officer Duarte and the police team. “Here in York County today, we saw the very best and the very worst of humanity,” Shapiro said, commending the officers who risked their lives to protect others.
Who Was the Gunman?
Officials identified the suspect as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz. Investigators revealed that he had previously visited the ICU earlier in the week for a medical issue involving another person. However, authorities have not yet determined a clear motive for why he launched this deadly attack.
A City in Mourning
The community of York is devastated by the loss of Officer Duarte, a hero who gave his life to protect others. The hospital staff, police officers, and families affected by this horrifying attack are receiving support from local officials and community members.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the bravery of first responders and the importance of keeping hospitals and public spaces safe from such senseless violence.
