Authorities respond to the tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital.
A violent outburst at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, resulted in the tragic death of Officer Andrew Duarte and left several others injured. The incident unfolded when a gunman took a female staff member hostage and opened fire, leading to a response from law enforcement. Community support is growing as they mourn the loss of Officer Duarte and confront the broader issue of safety in healthcare settings amidst rising violence.
In a shocking turn of events, UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, became the scene of a violent outburst on Saturday, February 22, 2025. A gunman, identified as Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, unleashed a harrowing attack that left a police officer dead and five others injured, prompting deep concerns about safety in healthcare settings.
Archangel-Ortiz’s rampage began when he forcefully took a female staff member hostage and opened fire. It’s reported that he came into the hospital armed with a handgun and zip ties, indicating premeditated intentions. Authorities believe he had visited the hospital just days earlier and had interactions with the ICU for medical reasons related to someone else.
As the situation escalated, Officer Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department bravely responded to the crisis. Duarte, who had just celebrated his 30th birthday and joined the force in 2022 after five years with the Denver Police Department, was tragically shot and killed during the conflict. His heroic actions may have saved countless lives, as he sought to protect the innocent in a chaotic moment.
The violence didn’t stop there. Besides Officer Duarte, two other police officers were injured, but they are currently in stable condition. Three hospital staff members—a physician from the ICU, a nurse, and a custodian—also sustained gunshot wounds, while a fourth hospital employee was hurt due to a fall during the incident. Thankfully, no patients in the hospital were harmed.
As police tried to negotiate a peaceful resolution, the situation took a serious turn when Archangel-Ortiz exited the ICU while still holding the hostage. It was then that officers were forced to use deadly force. During the confrontation, the gunman managed to strike two police officers before he was shot and killed, raising further questions about the urgency and intensity of the situation.
York County District Attorney, Tim Barker, later clarified that the officers were justified in their use of deadly force given the dire situation they faced. In the wake of this tragic event, a wave of condolences flooded in for Officer Duarte, honoring his bravery and dedication to public service. Local officials and community members have expressed their grief and support for his family and the entire law enforcement community.
This unsettling incident is part of a broader worrying trend. The shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital is one of at least 37 mass shootings reported in just the first two months of 2025 in the U.S. As reports of violence in healthcare settings continue to rise, many are left wondering about the safety of medical professionals and patients alike.
UPMC Memorial Hospital, which has been serving a community of around 40,000 residents since its opening in 2019, issued statements reinforcing that no patients were injured during this alarming event. Local officials have pledged their support for the affected hospital staff and have recognized the emotional toll that such incidents can take on individuals involved. The community is coming together to show solidarity and support, as healing begins in the wake of tragedy.
The heartbreaking events at UPMC Memorial Hospital remind us of the unpredictable nature of violence and the importance of safety, especially in places meant for healing and care. As we reflect on Officer Duarte’s sacrifice, we are called to consider not only the immediate impacts of such tragedies but also the necessary steps to prevent future occurrences in our communities.
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