UPMC Memorial Hospital Shooting: Officer Andrew Duarte Killed in York, PA

A tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, left West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte dead and five others injured. The February 22, 2025, incident involved a gunman, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, who took hostages in the ICU. Officer Duarte, hailed a hero for saving lives, was fatally wounded responding to the UPMC Memorial Hospital active shooter situation, highlighting rising concerns about violence in healthcare settings and prompting investigations into the gunman’s motive and enhanced hospital security measures.

The incident at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, on February 22, 2025, was a tragic event that resulted in the death of West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte and the gunman, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz. The shooting also left five others injured, including three hospital staff members and two law enforcement officers. The attack occurred after Archangel-Ortiz took hostages in the hospital’s intensive care unit, where he had been previously for a medical purpose earlier in the week.

The Heroic Sacrifice of Officer Andrew Duarte

Officer Andrew Duarte, aged 30, was killed while responding to the shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital. Duarte, who joined the West York Borough Police Department in 2022 after serving five years with the Denver Police Department, was described by his girlfriend, Zanna Morris, as a hero who saved lives during the incident. “I was told he saved lives today,” Morris said at a vigil held outside the West York Borough Police Department. “Because of his actions, many lives were saved.” Duarte’s bravery was also acknowledged by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who described the attack as “the act of a coward” and commended Duarte’s life of service and purpose.

The community gathered to honor Duarte, with people leaving flowers and candles outside the police department. The Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge and York County FOP Lodge 73 issued statements praising Duarte’s commitment to upholding the law and protecting the community. Pennsylvania Attorney General David Sunday Jr. offered his condolences to Duarte’s family and colleagues, emphasizing the officer’s duty and bravery in responding to the call for mutual aid.

The Gunman’s Actions and Motive

Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, aged 49, entered UPMC Memorial Hospital carrying a handgun and zip ties, heading directly to the intensive care unit. According to York County District Attorney Tim Barker, Archangel-Ortiz took hospital staff members hostage and fired his weapon, striking three staff members—a doctor who was grazed, a nurse, and a custodian—all of whom were reported to be in stable condition. A fourth staff member was injured in a fall but not from gunfire.

Barker stated that the investigation into the shooting was in its early stages, but it appeared that Archangel-Ortiz had previous contact with the hospital’s ICU earlier in the week for a medical purpose involving another individual. The motive for the attack remained unclear, but Barker noted that it seemed to be targeted at the ICU. Archangel-Ortiz was ultimately shot and killed by police after he came out into the hallway holding a staff member at gunpoint with her hands bound by a zip tie.

Law Enforcement’s Response and Aftermath

Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies responded to the active threat at UPMC Memorial Hospital around 11 a.m. ET on Saturday. The situation escalated quickly, with at least two officers being shot, including Officer Duarte, who was fatally wounded. The other two officers, from the Northern York County Regional and Springettsbury Township police departments, were reported to be in stable condition.

The hospital confirmed that no patients were physically harmed during the incident. UPMC officials stated that the injured staff members were progressing in their recovery but announced that the hospital would remain closed to visitors as security measures were enhanced. The hospital established hotlines for patients’ families to obtain more information and expressed their commitment to resuming visitation as soon as possible.

Community and Official Reactions

The shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital sent shockwaves through the York community and beyond. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the hospital and met with Duarte’s parents and fellow officers who were wounded. He ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Duarte and expressed gratitude to all law enforcement officers who responded to the incident. “Their willingness to run toward danger helped save the lives of others,” Shapiro said on the social platform X.

The West York Borough Police Department issued a statement mourning the loss of Duarte, describing him as a hero and extending their condolences to his family and colleagues. The community’s grief was palpable as people gathered to pay their respects and honor Duarte’s sacrifice. The Fraternal Order of Police also highlighted the selflessness and dedication of officers like Duarte, who risk their lives to protect and serve.

A Troubling Trend: Violence in Healthcare Settings

The shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital is part of a disturbing trend of increasing gun violence in U.S. hospitals and medical centers. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers suffer more nonfatal injuries from workplace violence than workers in any other profession. Recent years have seen several high-profile incidents, including a 2023 shooting at a New Hampshire state psychiatric hospital, a 2022 attack at a Dallas hospital, and a 2022 shooting at a medical center in Atlanta.

These incidents highlight the growing threat faced by healthcare workers and the challenges hospitals face in adapting to such violence. The attack at UPMC Memorial Hospital underscores the need for enhanced security measures and protocols to protect both staff and patients. The healthcare industry must continue to address these risks and work toward creating safer environments for those who dedicate their lives to healing others.

The Investigation and Ongoing Efforts

The Pennsylvania State Police Troop J Major Case Team is leading the investigation into the shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital. Authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the attack and to understand the gunman’s motives. The hospital remains closed to visitors as the investigation continues and security is bolstered.

UPMC officials have emphasized their commitment to supporting the recovery of the injured staff members and to resuming normal operations as soon as it is safe to do so. The hospital has also expressed gratitude to the law enforcement officers who responded to the incident and to the community for their support during this challenging time. As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge about the circumstances surrounding the attack and the measures being taken to prevent future incidents.

Implications and Conclusion

The tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital has left a lasting impact on the York community and the broader healthcare industry. The loss of Officer Andrew Duarte, a dedicated law enforcement officer who sacrificed his life to protect others, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who serve and protect. The incident also highlights the urgent need to address the rising tide of violence in healthcare settings, where workers are increasingly at risk of harm.

As the investigation continues, it is crucial that authorities and healthcare institutions work together to enhance security measures and develop strategies to prevent future attacks. The bravery and sacrifice of individuals like Officer Duarte should not be in vain; instead, they should serve as a call to action to protect the lives and well-being of those who dedicate themselves to serving others. The York community and the nation mourn the loss of a hero, but they also stand united in their resolve to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

More Reading and Sources…

Additional Sources

• Police officer killed, five injured in Pennsylvania hospital shooting after gunman takes hostages
• Police officer killed after responding to shooting at Pennsylvania hospital
• Hospital where gunman took hostages remains closed to visitors as injured reported stable
• Police officer, gunman killed after shots fired at York, Pennsylvania hospital