A man armed with a pistol took hostages at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, on February 22, 2025. The situation escalated into a shootout that resulted in the death of the shooter and an officer, along with several injuries to hospital staff and police.
- Man took hostages at Pennsylvania hospital
- Officer Andrew Duarte killed during shootout
- Shooter had prior contact with ICU
- Gun violence increasing in healthcare settings
- Makeshift memorial honors fallen officer Duarte
The incident unfolded when Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, entered the hospital’s intensive care unit while armed and carrying zip ties. He held a female staff member at gunpoint when law enforcement responded to the scene. In total, three hospital workers were shot and wounded alongside two officers during the exchange of gunfire.
Officer Andrew Duarte of West York Borough Police was identified as the officer who lost his life in this tragic event. He had joined the department in 2022 after five years with Denver Police Department and was recognized for his contributions to impaired driving enforcement. His death has been mourned by colleagues and community members alike.
- Three hospital workers injured: one doctor, one nurse, one custodian.
- Two other officers sustained injuries during the confrontation.
- The shooter reportedly had prior contact with the ICU earlier that week.
This shooting is part of a troubling trend of increasing violence against healthcare workers across the united states. Recent statistics indicate that healthcare professionals face more nonfatal injuries from workplace violence than any other occupation. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety within medical facilities as they adapt to growing threats from violent acts.
The tragic events at UPMC Memorial Hospital underscore both the risks faced by first responders and healthcare workers today. As investigations continue into this shooting, communities are left grappling with its impact on public safety and mental health resources.
