York, Pa. Hospital Stays Shut Down Following Hostage Crisis by Armed Gunman

A man entered UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, on February 24, 2025, armed with zip ties and a pistol. The incident resulted in him taking hospital staff hostage and ultimately led to a shootout that left one police officer dead and several others injured.

The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, had recent contact with the hospital’s intensive care unit for medical reasons. Investigators have not disclosed details regarding his motive or his relationship to any patients at the hospital.

The shooting incident began when Archangel-Ortiz entered the hospital and targeted staff members in the intensive care unit. Surveillance footage indicated that he appeared to act deliberately against those working there. Following the initial response from security officers at the hospital, multiple law enforcement agencies arrived on the scene to assist.

During the standoff, Archangel-Ortiz held a female staff member at gunpoint while demanding police retreat. In an attempt to protect her safety, officers complied until they were forced to open fire when he exited the ICU area with her bound by zip ties.

• Officer Andrew Duarte was killed during this exchange; he was 30 years old and had joined West York Borough Police Department in 2022.
• Two other officers sustained injuries but are reported to be in stable condition.
• The hospital remains closed to visitors as recovery efforts continue for injured staff members.

This tragic event underscores growing concerns about violence within healthcare settings across the united states. Hospitals have increasingly faced threats of violence, making it one of the most dangerous professions according to statistics from health authorities.

This incident highlights serious issues surrounding security in hospitals and raises questions about preventive measures needed to protect healthcare workers from similar violent acts in the future.