Gunman Killed After Hostage Situation at Pennsylvania Hospital

YORK, Pa. (AP) — A gunman armed with a pistol and zip ties stormed UPMC Memorial Hospital on Saturday, taking staff members hostage and leaving one police officer dead as authorities engaged him in a shootout. The incident, which occurred in the hospital’s intensive care unit, left several others wounded and has raised concerns about safety in medical facilities.

The shooter, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, had recent contact with the ICU for medical purposes involving another individual, according to York County District Attorney Tim Barker. “It appears that the shooter intentionally targeted the hospital staff,” Barker said during a news conference on Saturday.

In the attack, which began early Saturday evening, a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian were injured along with two police officers who responded to the scene. Another staff member suffered injuries in a fall as chaos unfolded. As police moved in, Archangel-Ortiz was reportedly holding a female staff member at gunpoint with her hands bound.

Officer Andrew Duarte, 30, of the West York Borough Police Department, was killed in the exchange of gunfire with Archangel-Ortiz. Duarte had been with the department since 2022 after serving five years with the Denver Police Department. He was recognized with a hero award by Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 2021 for his commendable service in impaired-driving enforcement.

Barker noted that the gunman fired upon the hospital’s security personnel first, prompting a call for backup. Multiple agencies responded, including officers from the Northern York County Regional Police and Springettsbury Township Police Departments.

“This is a huge loss to our community,” said Barker, who affirmed that the officers acted justifiably in response to the threat. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Officer Duarte. He met with Duarte’s family and fellow officers on Saturday night, expressing gratitude for their bravery during the crisis.

The wounded hospital employees were reported to be in stable condition as of Sunday, while the hospital remains closed to visitors. UPMC officials released a statement indicating their appreciation for families and visitors, acknowledging their importance in patient healing.

The ongoing investigation revealed no clear motive for Archangel-Ortiz’s actions. No contact attempts could be made at an address associated with him, as authorities continue to seek more information.

This incident highlights a troubling trend in U.S. hospitals, which have increasingly become sites of violence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that healthcare workers face higher risks compared with other professionals due to a growing number of assaults and security breaches in medical facilities.