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Tragic Shooting at York Hospital Claims Life of Officer
A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday morning at a hospital in York, Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of a police officer and multiple injuries. A man, later identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, took medical personnel hostage and opened fire, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
According to officials, the shooting resulted in injuries to five individuals, including two law enforcement officers who were shot but are currently in stable condition. York County District Attorney Tim Barker confirmed the details during a news conference.
Among the injured were an ICU doctor, a nurse, a custodian, and another employee who suffered injuries while attempting to escape the scene. Barker explained that Ortiz arrived at the hospital carrying a bag that contained a handgun and zip ties, heading straight for the intensive care unit (ICU) where he took staff members hostage.
As the situation escalated, officers were preparing to confront Ortiz when he held an ICU employee at gunpoint, demanding that police keep their distance. In efforts to protect the hostage, police complied while trying to negotiate with Ortiz, who had bound the woman’s hands with zip ties.
The standoff came to a violent conclusion when Ortiz emerged from the ICU still holding the hostage. In response, police officers opened fire, fatally wounding Ortiz. Barker noted that this incident appeared to be targeted specifically at the ICU, mentioning that the gunman had contacted the department on previous occasions for a medical matter concerning another individual.
Fortunately, no patients were harmed during the incident, and the hospital has since been declared secure by UPMC Memorial spokesperson Susan Manko.
The fallen officer has been identified as Andrew Duarte, and his department confirmed his death via Facebook. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed deep condolences, highlighting Duarte’s commitment to public service. “He was someone who put on the uniform of service and went out to try and keep his neighbors safe,” Shapiro stated, recognizing the loss as tragic and calling Duarte a hero.
The Fraternal Order of Police also paid tribute to Officer Duarte, reflecting on his bravery and dedication to the community in their official statement.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Shooting
Betsy Small, who was visiting a family member at the hospital, described the chaos that unfolded shortly after 10:30 a.m. Hearing unusual noises and alarms, she initially thought something was amiss but didn’t expect an active shooting scenario. “I thought, oh something’s going on in here, but you never think it’s going to be a shooting, not in a hospital,” Small recalled.
Witnessing the rapid response by law enforcement through her hospital room window, Small felt compelled to seek safety by crouching on the floor. Her mother remained oblivious to the unfolding scene, asleep beside her.
As police responded, Small observed officers with shields rushing into the building. Up until around 11:41 a.m., when she received news via text that the shooter had been neutralized, she remained in the dark about the gravity of the situation.
As the hours passed, Small expressed her sorrow for those affected by the violence, calling it a “sad situation.” Following the shooting, Governor Shapiro emphasized the need for ongoing support for healthcare workers impacted by the traumatic event, underscoring that they should never encounter such violence in their workplace.
State Senator Dawn Keefer and Representative Seth Grove lamented the unthinkable tragedy in a joint statement, expressing their prayers for the victims and families involved. They recognized the rapid actions of first responders who ensured the safety of the community.
UPMC Memorial, a 104-bed facility that opened in August 2019, provides various medical services including emergency care, cardiology, and surgical services. The hospital is situated in southern Pennsylvania, and the community continues to grapple with the ramifications of this violent event.
Additional reporting contributed by CNN’s Kia Fatahi, Sharif Paget, and Natalie Barr.
This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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