A hostage crisis at UPMC Memorial Hospital's ICU led to tragic results on Saturday morning, claiming the life of Officer Andrew Duarte alongside the gunman, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, and injuring five others. The incident unfolded around 10:30 AM as Archangel-Ortiz entered the hospital armed, creating panic and fear among staff and patients alike.
According to York County District Attorney Tim Barker, Archangel-Ortiz went directly to the ICU area, where he held several members of the hospital staff hostage. Authorities reported, "He discharged his firearm and struck three members of the UPMC staff." Fortunately, these injuries were not life-threatening, but both the nurse and custodian involved were left shaken and required treatment.
Eyewitnesses recount the chaos as Archangel-Ortiz threatened the lives of those inside the ICU. The assailant had previously contacted hospital staff earlier for what appeared to be legitimate medical reasons concerning another person, making the attack all the more shocking. Barker commented, "This individual did discharge his firearm at UPMC officers, holding individuals hostage, which led to contacting the authorities and multiple law enforcement agencies."
Officer Duarte was among the first to respond to the distress call from the hospital. During the confrontation, he was tragically killed as officers attempted to neutralize the threat. “Holding her at gunpoint coming out... the officer left with no recourse, did open fire and did kill [the suspect],” Barker stated, justifying the lethal force used by law enforcement to prevent more casualties.
The aftermath of the hostage situation revealed the bravery of the responding officers from York County Police. Governor Josh Shapiro praised their selflessness, saying, "Because of their work, lives were saved today." He expressed deep admiration for Officer Duarte, describing him as "the best of us" who lost his life serving the community faithfully.
During the incident, the UPMC hospital staff responded heroically, risking their own safety to protect patients and one another. Elizabeth Ritter, president of UPMC Harrisburg, conveyed gratitude to the law enforcement officers and detailed the support systems being put in place for those affected. "We’re grateful today to all law enforcement officers who responded so bravely,” she stated, echoing sentiments of solidarity and compassion for the injured staff.
Governor Shapiro visited the scene, offering his condolences to Officer Duarte's loved ones and reaffirming the state’s commitment to support both victims and healthcare workers traumatized by the event. He remarked, "Every day when you put on your white coat of service... you are performing because you care about your neighbors and want to make sure they are healthy and safe. Something like this should never ever happen in your place of work."
The tragedy extended beyond the walls of the hospital. The West York Borough community mourned the loss of Officer Duarte, confirming their pain through various social media outlets. “Our hearts break at the innocent loss of life,” local officials expressed, urging residents to honor Duarte’s memory and bravery by laying flowers at the police headquarters.
The investigation continues as authorities piece together the motivation behind Archangel-Ortiz’s actions. District Attorney Barker asserted the necessity of the police's response, affirming, “Quite frankly, they need to use deadly force... they potentially saved even more lives even as they lost one of their own.”
No patients were injured during the ordeal, and UPMC reassured the public of its commitment to safety and care, bolstered by the unified efforts of emergency responders. The healing process for all involved may be long, but the community’s unity and remembrance of Officer Duarte's heroism will undoubtedly remain strong through this dark chapter.