Police Officer Killed in Shooting at Central Pennsylvania Hospital

UPDATE: Officials confirm that the shooter took hostages and killed a police officer before being neutralized at a central Pennsylvania hospital.

A tragic shooting incident unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital in West Manchester Township, York County, on Saturday morning. The incident left a police officer dead, along with the shooter, and resulted in multiple injuries. West York Borough officials confirmed the death of Officer Andrew Duarte in a Facebook statement, mourning the loss of their colleague and friend.

“Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte’s family and all of our brothers and sisters in the West York Borough Police Department. Our community grieves the loss of a hero,” the statement read. Officials also confirmed that no patients at the hospital were injured in the attack, though the extent of other injuries remains unclear.

The emergency unfolded when a 911 call was made at 10:43 a.m., reporting an “active threat.” Police swiftly responded, and authorities later confirmed that the threat had been neutralized. Ted Czech, of the York County Office of Emergency Management, provided updates to PennLive, while Susan Manko, vice president of public relations for UPMC, assured that law enforcement was actively handling the situation.

In response to the crisis, UPMC Memorial instructed employees not scheduled to work to remain at home. Families of patients arriving at the hospital were directed to the parking lot of the OSS building across the street for updates. The hospital, a five-story, 104-bed facility that opened in 2019, is a key medical center in the region.

Governor Josh Shapiro, who was en route to the scene, ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Officer Duarte. “He was the best of us,” Shapiro stated, acknowledging the officer’s service and sacrifice. U.S. Senator John Fetterman also expressed his sorrow, stating that “a place of healing turned into a tragedy.”

Members of the community were invited to lay flowers in Duarte’s honor at 1381 W. Poplar St., West York. This remains a developing story, with further updates expected as law enforcement continues its investigation.