The suspect held members of the staff hostage before being shot
One officer was killed and at least five others were shot in a hostage situation at a hospital in York County, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, according to state officials.
The suspect, Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, entered UPMC Memorial in West Manchester Township with a semi-automatic handgun and zip ties at around 10:30 a.m. He then went to the ICU and took several hospital staff hostage, officials said at a press conference Saturday afternoon.
“This is a huge loss to our community,” York County District Attorney Tim Barker said at a press conference Saturday. “Officer Duarte gave his life protecting others.”
Police are on the scene of an incident at UPMC Memorial Hospital, Feb. 22, 2025, in York, Pa.
Harrison Jones/York Daily Record via USA Today Network via Imagn Images
Ortiz shot a hospital doctor, nurse and custodian, all of whom are now stable, officials said. Three police officers were shot during the incident and one died.
West York Borough police officer Andrew Duarte was killed in the shooting, the borough confirmed. The other two officers were hospitalized in stable condition.
Law enforcement from multiple agencies, including West York Borough Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and the York County Quick Response Team, responded to the situation. Officers attempted to negotiate with Ortiz, but he emerged from the ICU holding a hospital staff member at gunpoint, her hands bound by zip ties.
“The officers were left with no recourse,” Barker said. “They opened fire, killing Ortiz and preventing further loss of life.”
“After reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements, it is absolutely clear and beyond any doubt that the officers acted lawfully in using deadly force,” he said. “Quite frankly, they needed to—because by doing so, they potentially saved even more lives.”
Police are on the scene of an incident at UPMC Memorial Hospital, Feb. 22, 2025, in York, Pa.
Harrison Jones/York Daily Record via USA Today Network via Imagn Images
Governor Josh Shapiro speaks during a news conference regarding the shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa. on Feb. 22, 2025.
UPMC said no patients have been injured.
State police remain on the scene conducting the investigation.
Authorities have not yet given a motive for the attack, and the investigation remains ongoing. Barker expressed gratitude for the swift response from law enforcement.
When asked about the shooter’s connection to the ICU, Barker declined to provide details.
“For purposes of privacy, until we’re ready to go ahead and reveal those further aspects, we’re not going to comment further,” Barker said.
