A tragic incident occurred at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, where a gunman, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, opened fire, resulting in the death of police officer Andrew Duarte and injuries to five others, including medical staff. The situation began on Saturday morning when Ortiz entered the hospital armed with a handgun and zip ties, taking an ICU employee hostage. In an effort to protect the hostages, responding officers engaged in negotiations with Ortiz before fatally shooting him when he emerged from the ICU.
York County District Attorney Tim Barker reported that two law enforcement officers were also shot but were in stable condition, while several hospital staff members sustained injuries from gunfire and a fall. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but it appears to have been directed specifically at the ICU, where Ortiz had previously sought medical assistance for another individual.
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of violence in healthcare settings, with healthcare workers reportedly facing a significantly higher risk of workplace violence compared to other professions. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro praised Officer Duarte for his service and expressed condolences to the victims and their families. Local leaders are working to provide support and resources for the affected healthcare workers in the aftermath of this tragedy.
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