A police officer was killed while responding to a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania on Saturday morning.
A man entered the intensive care unit armed with a pistol and zip ties. He took staff members hostage and was holding one at gunpoint when police engaged, fatally shooting the gunman. During the confrontation, 30-year-old officer Andrew Duarte was killed; a doctor, a nurse, a custodian, and two other officers were also wounded by the shooter—all are in stable condition.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing but reported that the 49-year-old gunman had contact with the ICU earlier in the week and intentionally targeted staff, but it’s unclear why.
Governor Josh Shapiro (D-PA) mourned the loss of Officer Duarte, praising the “true heroism” of law enforcement, first responders, and medical professionals.
