9 killed including children during a mass shooting and standoff in the USA

Nine people, including two children, were killed Friday evening in a shooting on Perry Street that ended with the suspected gunman dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Erie News Now and police.

Officers responded to the 700 block of Perry Street around 5 p.m. after 911 calls reported shots fired. Witnesses said a man was firing a handgun outside a residence at 722 Perry St. before going inside. Two women were found dead in the street.

Erie police and the SWAT team surrounded the home, turning the incident into a standoff. Officers used a loudspeaker to order the man to surrender. Additional gunshots were heard from inside. When police entered the house, they found more victims in different areas, including children.

The suspected shooter was among the dead and appeared to have died by suicide. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah called the scene one of the most difficult and heartbreaking his officers and investigators have encountered. “The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing,” he said.

Mayor Daria Devlin described it as a “terrible tragedy” and said the situation had been contained. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by tonight’s tragedy,” she said.

Police have not released the identities of the victims, a possible motive, or further details. The Erie County Coroner’s Office and investigators remained at the scene late Friday processing evidence. Officers who responded are being offered counseling. The investigation is ongoing.