YORK, Pennsylvania, February 22, 2025 — A devastating shooting incident at UPMC Memorial Hospital has left one police officer dead and five others injured. The shooter, identified as Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, took hostages in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before being fatally shot by law enforcement.
At approximately 10:30 AM, Archangel-Ortiz entered the hospital armed with a handgun and zip ties.
He immediately targeted the ICU, where he held staff members hostage. During the chaotic situation, Officer Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department was responding to a mutual aid call when he was shot and killed.
Duarte, aged 30, had served with the department since 2022 and was previously recognized for his dedication to law enforcement.
The emergency response began swiftly, with police arriving on the scene shortly after the shooting commenced.
According to York County District Attorney Timothy J. Barker, two additional officers were injured during the confrontation but are currently in stable condition.
Among those injured were a doctor and a nurse from the ICU, as well as a custodian who was shot. A fourth employee sustained injuries while attempting to escape.
Witnesses described a scene of panic as alarms blared throughout the hospital.
Betsy Small, who was visiting her mother at the time, recounted hearing unusual sounds and seeing people flee. “You never expect it to be a shooting, especially not in a hospital,” she expressed.
As law enforcement engaged with Archangel-Ortiz, he threatened one of the hostages at gunpoint, demanding that police retreat.
In response to this escalating threat, officers opened fire when he exited the ICU holding a staff member hostage. The shooter was subsequently neutralized.
Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the tragic event on social media, expressing condolences to Officer Duarte’s family and emphasizing the bravery of law enforcement and healthcare workers involved in managing the crisis.
The community is mourning the loss of Officer Duarte, with tributes pouring in from local officials and residents alike.
Flowers and balloons were placed outside the West York Police Department as a memorial for Duarte’s service and sacrifice. His dedication to public safety has left a lasting impact on those he served.
This incident underscores an alarming trend of violence in places typically considered safe, such as hospitals.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, this event marks one of at least 37 mass shootings reported in just two months of 2025.
As investigations continue into the motive behind Archangel-Ortiz’s actions, authorities are working diligently to ensure that such tragedies do not occur again.
The hospital has since confirmed that no patients were harmed during the incident and that operations have returned to normal following law enforcement’s swift intervention.
The UPMC Memorial Hospital shooting serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by both law enforcement officers and healthcare workers in today’s society. As communities come together to support one another during this difficult time, discussions surrounding safety protocols in hospitals are likely to gain momentum.
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