West Manchester Township, Pa. – A violent confrontation at UPMC hospital on Saturday morning resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to five others, authorities report. Officer Andrew Duarte, 30, was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the community in mourning.
At approximately 11 a.m. ET, emergency responders were summoned to the hospital following reports of an active shooter. The assailant, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, initiated an unsettling sequence of events that led to a hostage situation and multiple injuries.
York County’s Office of Emergency Management’s public information officer, Ted Czech, announced later that the threat had been neutralized and a detailed investigation was underway. Disturbing details emerged during a press conference held by York County District Attorney, Tim Barker, revealing that Archangel-Ortiz had come prepared with a handgun and zip ties, targeting the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
Barker reported, “The perpetrator detained several hospital staff members, ultimately opening fire and injuring three.” The victims include a doctor, who sustained minor injuries, and a nurse along with a custodian, both of whom are currently in stable condition.
UPMC has confirmed the safety of all patients during the ordeal, despite the chaos it brought to the healthcare facility. The scenario ended with Ortiz being subdued, though not before adding two more law enforcement officers to the list of shooting victims, both of whom also remain in stable condition.
The attack has drawn condemnation from across the state, including from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro who branded the incident “the act of a coward.” Shapiro also extended his condolences and commended Officer Duarte for his service.
This tragic episode highlights the persistent risks faced by healthcare facilities, which have increasingly become settings for violence. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are at a disproportionately high risk of non-fatal workplace violence compared to other professions.
The local community and statewide officials continue to rally in support of the wounded and the families affected. Investigations are ongoing as law enforcement, and hospital security teams reassess safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
The broader implications for hospital security and the safety of healthcare workers are likely to prompt discussions at both the state and national levels, as officials and communities seek measures to avert similar occurrences in the future.