A devastating shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, resulted in one police officer’s death and five others injured when a gunman took medical staff hostage and opened fire. Keep reading for further information.
Chaos erupted at UPMC Memorial Hospital when a gunman took ICU staff hostage and engaged in a fatal shootout with police.
The violence led to the death of West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte, a six-year law enforcement veteran, and left several others injured. The suspect, 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, was also killed during the confrontation. Authorities revealed that Ortiz entered the hospital carrying a bag with a handgun and zip ties, heading directly to the ICU.
UPMC confirmed reports of a gunman and shots fired via a Facebook post. The gunman held staff hostage and blocked officers from entering the unit by threatening to kill one hostage.
When he emerged into the hallway with a hospital worker at gunpoint, officers opened fire, fatally shooting Ortiz. Two law enforcement officers were wounded but are in stable condition. A doctor, nurse, and custodian were also shot, while a fourth hospital employee was injured in the chaos.
Officials suspect the attack was targeted at the ICU, as Ortiz had contacted the department the previous week about a medical issue involving another person. Officer Duarte, 29 at the time of his death, had six years of law enforcement experience. Before joining the West York Borough Police Department, he served five years with the Denver Police Department, specializing in DUI and drug recognition enforcement.
Duarte was highly respected in his field, receiving the MADD Hero Award in 2021 for his efforts in impaired driving enforcement. The West York Borough Police Department honored his sacrifice, inviting the community to place flowers at the department in his memory. “Our community grieves the loss of a hero,” the department stated on Facebook. “We ask the community to unite in solidarity, respect, and prayer as we mourn with broken hearts.”
Governor Josh Shapiro honored Duarte, describing him as “the best of us” and acknowledging his dedicated service. “This morning in York County, we saw the best and worst of humanity,” Shapiro wrote on X. “Sadly, we lost one of those heroes today. Officer Duarte’s courage in running toward danger saved lives.”
The Fraternal Order of Police shared similar sentiments, saying, “Pennsylvania lost another hero today. Officer Duarte’s bravery and dedication to the law reflect the selflessness of those who commit daily to protecting and serving their communities.”
Patients and visitors at UPMC Memorial Hospital recounted the terrifying moments before the shooting. Jayden Robertson and his grandmother were visiting a relative when an announcement alerted them about an armed intruder. At first, they thought it was a minor security concern, but the situation quickly escalated. Robertson remembered seeing police cars outside and officers grabbing shields and firearms. “That’s when we realized how serious this was,” he said.
While visiting her mother, Betsy Small heard strange noises and saw people running. A woman’s voice over the intercom announced a lockdown, sparking panic across the floor. “You never think it’ll be a shooting, not in a hospital,” Small said. She sought cover near a window as medical staff rushed through the hallways.
For over an hour, Small watched as nurses worked frantically, some in tears. At 11:41 a.m., her daughter texted to inform her that the shooter had been “taken out.”
“UPMC is grateful to all the law enforcement officers and our staff, who courageously ensured their own safety and the safety of our patients and visitors. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic event,” the hospital shared on Facebook.
State Senator Dawn Keefer and State Representative Seth Grove released a joint statement expressing their sorrow over the tragedy at UPMC Memorial Hospital. “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,” they stated.
Despite the tragedy, authorities confirmed that no patients were harmed, and the hospital is now secure. This devastating event follows the fatal school shooting at Antioch High School on January 22, 2025. The Metro Nashville Police Department later identified the 16-year-old victim, Josselin Corea Escalante, who was fatally wounded in the cafeteria during the incident.
She was shot along with two other students. One of them, a male, suffered a graze wound to the arm and was treated and released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
German Corea, Escalante’s father, is devastated by the loss of his daughter. “Every day I told her how much I loved her,” he said. To him, Escalante was an older sister but still a daddy’s girl. Corea remembered how his daughter played soccer and earned good grades, but he never imagined his kind, loving daughter wouldn’t make it home one day. “It’s not fair,” he mourned.
Maria Corea, Escalante’s aunt, is struggling to grasp the tragedy. She noted that her niece went to school to get an education and build a better future, yet her life ended so suddenly. “Oh God. She was my girl. She was calm, well-behaved, and loved her family,” Maria shared. “She had good grades, and she loved her parents.”
Escalante’s family has called for enhanced security at the school but remains skeptical that anything will change, as every school shooting seems to follow the same pattern. Antioch High School held a vigil on the night of January 22 to honor Escalante’s memory.
The 17-year-old shooter, identified as Solomon Henderson, was an active student at Antioch High School. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The two school resource officers stationed at the school were in a different area when Henderson opened fire. Upon hearing the shots, they quickly rushed to the cafeteria, arriving moments after Henderson had taken his life. Authorities are now investigating online writings and social media posts connected to Henderson to understand more about his motivations.
Authorities are collaborating with local, federal, and state agencies to determine the motive behind the shooting in the school cafeteria. As the investigation continues, police have found no connection between the shooter and the victims. “It may be that they were hit by his random gunfire in the cafeteria,” stated the Metro Nashville Police Department.
Chief John Drake of the Metro Nashville Police Department expressed condolences, stating, “On behalf of the entire police department, I extend our deep sympathy to Antioch High students, parents, and staff. Our officers and counselors will be here to support the healing process in the days and weeks ahead.”
Dr. Adrienne Battle, director of Metro Nashville Public Schools, expressed her condolences to the students, parents, and the entire Antioch High School community. She announced the school would be closed for the remainder of the week to allow students and staff time to grieve.
In a statement, she thanked the school staff for swiftly and heroically following emergency protocols, which may have prevented further harm, as well as the Metro Nashville Police Department and Nashville Fire Department for their quick and urgent response.
Battle pledged to fully understand the cause of the tragedy to prevent it from happening again. She emphasized, “It’s important to remember that our schools have always been safe spaces for learning, friendship, and growth. We cannot let this tragedy overshadow the positive experiences of our 80,000 students.”
Battle assured that students and staff would receive all necessary support to cope with the tragedy, including grief counseling. She encouraged students, staff, counselors, and the Nashville community to unite as they navigate the difficult days and weeks ahead.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
