“We stand ready to support those impacted in any way we can,” shared Sen. Dawn Keefer and Rep. Seth Grove in a joint statement.
York County has been left reeling after a gunman took UPMC Memorial Hospital staff hostage and engaged in a shootout with police, ultimately taking one officer’s life.
Police responded to the scene Saturday morning after suspect Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz entered the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU), armed with a semi-automatic handgun, and took staff members hostage using zip ties. Throughout the ordeal, several survivors received non-fatal gunshot wounds, including a doctor, a nurse, a custodian, and multiple police officers.
A senior law enforcement official informed ABC News that the shooter targeted UPMC Memorial after the recent death of a loved one in the ICU. The gunman was unable to accept his loved one’s death from a terminal illness, feeling the family member’s care in the ICU had been lacking.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at UPMC this morning. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all those affected by this senseless act of violence,” shared Sen. Dawn Keefer and Rep. Seth Grove in a joint statement. The pair went on to commend local law enforcement, PA State Police, UPMC officers, PA Game Wardens, York County Sheriffs, EMS, and all other emergency responders who responded to the scene.
“As we continue to monitor this heartbreaking situation, we join our community in praying for UPMC patients and staff, those who were injured and for the loved ones’ coping with an unthinkable act. We stand ready to support those impacted in any way we can.”
The officer tragically killed in the shooting has been identified as 30-year-old Officer Andrew Duarte with the West York Borough Police. A motorcycle procession composed of officers from across the Commonwealth escorted Duarte’s body Monday morning as it was transported from the York County Coroner’s office to Lehigh Valley Hospital.
Duarte’s mother recounted a gut feeling that something had happened to her only son as she was escorted to a room at WellSpan York Hospital. She explained, “I had the feeling that Andrew had been called to his eternal home with the Lord, and that he wasn’t here with us anymore,” adding of her son, “He had a warrior heart and a warrior spirit.”
“I knew he would be one of the first ones to run in. That’s the type of person he was,” shared Zanna Dutton, Officer Duarte’s girlfriend. “He was the most beautiful person I ever met. Inside and out. He was so incredibly special, and I will miss him dearly every day.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro has ordered all flags to half staff across the Commonwealth in recognition of the shooting and to honor the memory of Officer Duarte.
UPMC Memorial Hospital has resumed operations, but remains closed to visitors for the time being, according to a Sunday statement. The health system added that, though there is no longer a local law enforcement presence on campus, UPMC Police and Security have “enhanced their presence.”
“In the aftermath of yesterday’s tragic event, we are relieved to report that the UPMC Memorial staff members injured are medically stable and progressing in their recovery,” UPMC reported.
“We offer our heartfelt gratitude to the courageous police officers and EMS providers who responded to the incident, and our deepest sympathies to the family and colleagues of the officer who sacrificed his life to save others. We will be forever grateful for his bravery.”
