Police were called to a residence at about 5pm following reports of gunfire. Witnesses told authorities they had seen an attacker with a gun outside the property before he made his way inside. Responding officers discovered two women lying dead in the street, both having suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
The situation quickly developed into a standoff as police and tactical teams surrounded the home. More gunshots were heard from inside, and officers entered the property, where they found seven additional victims, including children, along with the suspected attacker. Investigators believe the attacker died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Erie's police chief, Rick Lorah, described the scene as among the most distressing and heartbreaking he had witnessed. "The loss of life is devastating and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing," Lorah said. "At this time, we can confirm that the suspect is deceased. Based on the information currently available to us, there is no ongoing threat to the public."
He added: "Our hearts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected by this tragedy. There are no words that can adequately express the magnitude of the loss of life here."
The city of Erie issued a statement on social media confirming that the suspected shooter had died and that the immediate danger had passed, describing the case as a "terrible tragedy". Authorities said on Saturday they were still investigating the circumstances and attempting to determine a motive for the violence.
Figures from the Gun Violence Archive indicate the killings marked at least the 19th mass murder of the year in the United States, with such cases defined as incidents in which four or more victims are murdered.