A man armed with a pistol took hostages in the intensive care unit of UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, on February 23, 2025. The incident ended in a shootout that resulted in the deaths of the suspect, identified as Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, and police officer Andrew Duarte.
- Hostage situation in Pennsylvania hospital
- Shooter identified as Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz
- Officer Andrew Duarte killed during shootout
- Growing trend of violence in healthcare settings
- Calls for increased gun control measures
- Community mourning and memorial for Duarte
The hostage situation unfolded when Archangel-Ortiz entered the hospital’s ICU while armed and carrying zip ties. He held a female staff member at gunpoint before police arrived and engaged him. The confrontation resulted in multiple injuries among hospital staff and law enforcement personnel, highlighting an ongoing trend of violence against healthcare workers in the united states.
In total, three hospital employees—a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian—were shot during the incident. Two officers also sustained injuries while responding to the scene. According to York County District Attorney Tim Barker, Archangel-Ortiz had previous interactions with the hospital earlier in the week for medical reasons involving another individual, suggesting he may have intentionally targeted these workers.
- Officer Andrew Duarte was killed during the exchange of gunfire.
- Duarte had previously served five years with Denver Police before joining West York Borough Police Department in 2022.
- This incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence affecting hospitals across America.
The Pennsylvania governor condemned the attack as cowardly and praised law enforcement for their bravery under fire. This event adds to concerns about workplace safety within healthcare settings as incidents of violence continue to rise significantly across various states.
This tragic incident underscores not only the dangers faced by law enforcement but also highlights growing concerns about security within healthcare facilities nationwide. As investigations continue into this case, community leaders are calling for enhanced protective measures for both police officers and medical staff alike.
