Police Officer Dead After UPMC Memorial Hospital Shooting in York, Pennsylvania– Details

On February 22, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and the gunman, with multiple others injured.

Incident Overview

At approximately 10:35 a.m., 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz entered the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) armed with a semi-automatic handgun and carrying zip ties. He proceeded to take several staff members hostage, including a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian. During the standoff, Archangel-Ortiz shot and wounded these three staff members. Responding to the active shooter situation, officers from multiple agencies, including the West York Borough Police Department, arrived on the scene. In the ensuing confrontation, Officer Andrew Duarte was fatally shot, and two other officers sustained injuries. The situation escalated when Archangel-Ortiz emerged from the ICU holding a staff member at gunpoint, her hands bound with zip ties. Officers then engaged the gunman, resulting in his death. All injured individuals were transported to WellSpan York Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. No patients at UPMC Memorial Hospital were harmed during the incident. citeturn0news18

Perpetrator Background

Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz was a resident of York with a history of prior interactions with the ICU for medical reasons. Authorities have indicated that his actions were a targeted attack, though the specific motive remains under investigation. Court records reveal that Archangel-Ortiz had multiple charges from 2016 to 2025 prior to the shooting. citeturn0search20

Officer Andrew Duarte

Officer Andrew Duarte, formerly with the Denver Police Department, joined the West York Borough Police Department in 2022. He was recognized for his dedication to law enforcement and had received accolades for his work, particularly in impaired driving enforcement. His death has profoundly impacted the local community, with memorials and tributes honoring his service and sacrifice. citeturn0news18

Official Responses

Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the incident, expressing condolences and commending the bravery of law enforcement and hospital staff. He stated, “The officers were left with no recourse. They opened fire, killing Ortiz and preventing further loss of life.” York County District Attorney Tim Barker affirmed that the use of deadly force was justified, emphasizing that the officers’ actions potentially saved more lives. citeturn0search7

Community Impact

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of healthcare environments and the increasing trend of violence in such settings. Hospital officials have initiated a review of security protocols to prevent future occurrences. The community continues to mourn the loss of Officer Duarte, with flags flown at half-mast and a memorial established at the West York Borough Police Department. citeturn0search20

For a visual report on this incident, you may find the following news segment informative:

videoPolice officer killed, at least 5 others injured in Pennsylvania hospital shootingturn0search0