Gunman at PA hospital dead after killing officer, taking hostages

A gunman killed a police officer over the weekend after he took hostages at the UPMC Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania, where he was subsequently killed by law enforcement. The incident occurred on Saturday in York County. His motive was tied to a family member’s death that occurred at the hospital. 

According to ABC News, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, entered the healthcare facility at around 10:30 am on Saturday with zip ties along with a handgun, and went to the ICU, taking multiple staff members hostage at the time. When police arrived, he opened fire and was killed by the officers in the shootout. 

When officers intervened, he shot three of them, killing Officer Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department and injuring two others.  

A senior law enforcement source told ABC News that Ortiz had reportedly been upset about the perceived lack of care given to a family member who had a terminal illness. The family member died within the last week. 

When he entered the hospital, Ortiz went to the ICU unit where his family member had been treated. He shot a doctor, nurse, as well as a custodian during the rampage. 

In a press conference following the shooting, York County District Attorney Tim Barker told reporters, "This is a huge loss to our community. Officer Duarte gave his life protecting others." Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the hostage situation on Saturday, where Ortiz emerged from the ICU unit with a hospital staff member at gunpoint. Officers opened fire, killing him. 

"After reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements, it is absolutely clear and beyond any doubt that the officers acted lawfully in using deadly force," Barker added. "Quite frankly, they needed to—because by doing so, they potentially saved even more lives." 

No patients at the healthcare facility were shot during the incident.