A tragic hostage situation at a hospital in York County, Pennsylvania, left one police officer dead and at least five others wounded on Saturday, according to state officials.
The suspect, Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, entered UPMC Memorial in West Manchester Township around 10:30 a.m., armed with a semi-automatic handgun and zip ties. He proceeded to the Intensive Care Unit, where he took multiple hospital staff members hostage, officials said during a press conference Saturday afternoon.
“This is a huge loss to our community,” York County District Attorney Tim Barker said. “Officer Duarte gave his life protecting others.”
During the attack, Ortiz shot a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian, all of whom are now in stable condition. Three police officers were also shot, one of whom was killed.
West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte was fatally wounded during the standoff, the borough confirmed. The other two injured officers remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Multiple law enforcement agencies—including West York Borough Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and the York County Quick Response Team—responded to the crisis. Officers initially attempted to negotiate with Ortiz, but he later emerged from the ICU holding a hospital staff member at gunpoint, with her hands bound by zip ties.
“The officers were left with no recourse,” Barker said. “They opened fire, killing Ortiz and preventing further loss of life.”
After reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements, authorities concluded that the use of deadly force was justified.
“It is absolutely clear and beyond any doubt that the officers acted lawfully,” Barker stated. “Quite frankly, they needed to—because by doing so, they potentially saved even more lives.”
Hospital officials confirmed that no patients were harmed during the ordeal.
State police remain on the scene as the investigation continues. While authorities have not yet determined a motive for the attack, Barker expressed gratitude for the swift actions of law enforcement.
When asked about Ortiz’s connection to the ICU, Barker declined to provide specific details due to privacy concerns but indicated that the attack appeared to have been “targeted at the ICU.” He also revealed that Ortiz had prior contact with the ICU earlier in the week regarding a medical matter involving another individual.
