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The shooter, identified as Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, entered the hospital around 10:35 a.m. with a bag containing a semiautomatic handgun and zip ties, according to York County District Attorney Timothy Barker. He proceeded to the ICU, where he held staff hostage and shot a doctor, nurse, and custodian, Barker said.
UPMC security officers responded and were fired upon, prompting police from multiple departments to intervene. As officers entered, Archangel-Ortiz held a staff member at gunpoint with their hands bound in zip ties, officials said.
Police opened fire, killing Archangel-Ortiz, but in the exchange, Duarte was fatally shot, along with two other officers who were injured. The injured officers are from the Northern York and Springettsbury Township Police Departments, according to authorities.
Barker said Archangel-Ortiz had previously been in the ICU with another individual and that the attack appeared to be targeted. It is unclear who he had visited previously.
In total, five people were injured, including three UPMC staff members who were shot and are in stable condition, officials said. A fourth hospital staffer was injured in a fall during the incident. One of the UPMC staff victims, a doctor, was grazed by a bullet.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Attorney General Dave Sunday responded to the scene. Shapiro commended the officers' response, saying, "Because of their work, lives were saved here today at UPMC Memorial Hospital… sadly, we lost one of those heroes today."
Shapiro added, "Officer Duarte was the best of us."
The Pennsylvania State Police Troop J Major Case Team is conducting the investigation.
The Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge President Joseph Regan and York County FOP Lodge #73 President Trent Bushman released a joint statement, saying, "Pennsylvania lost another hero today. Officer Duarte’s bravery and commitment to upholding the law are a testament to the selflessness shown daily by those who have dedicated themselves to protecting and serving. Our deepest condolences go out to his loved ones during this difficult time. We stand together with the West York Borough Police Department in honoring Officer Duarte’s sacrifice."
West York Borough officials said in a statement, “Our West York Borough family is suffering a painful loss today in response to a tragic mutual aid call earlier today in West Manchester Township at UPMC. Our hearts break at the innocent loss of life.”
Community members wishing to pay their respects can lay flowers at 1381 West Poplar Street, West York Borough.
Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered all United States and Commonwealth flags on public buildings and grounds across Pennsylvania to fly at half-staff until Duarte's interment.
A hotline for families of patients seeking information has been set up at 717-849-5338 or 717-849-5334. Families of patients arriving on-site should report to the parking lot of the OSS building across the street from the hospital.
Residents are advised to avoid the area around UPMC Memorial Hospital as the investigation continues.
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