On the morning of February 22, 2025, a tragic shooting unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and the gunman, with several others injured.
Incident Overview
At approximately 10:30 a.m., 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz entered the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) armed with a semi-automatic handgun and zip ties. He proceeded to take several staff members hostage, targeting the ICU where he had prior interactions for undisclosed medical reasons. During the standoff, Archangel-Ortiz shot and wounded a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian. Responding to the active shooter situation, law enforcement officers engaged the gunman in a shootout. Tragically, Officer Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department was fatally shot during the exchange. Two other officers sustained injuries before Archangel-Ortiz was neutralized by police gunfire. No patients were harmed during the incident.
Victims and Casualties
Officer Andrew Duarte, a dedicated member of the West York Borough Police Department since 2022, previously served five years with the Denver Police Department in Colorado. He was recognized for his commitment to law enforcement, notably receiving a hero award in 2021 for his efforts in impaired driving enforcement. The injured hospital staff and officers were transported to local medical facilities and are reported to be in stable condition.
Perpetrator Background
Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, a resident of York, had multiple prior charges from 2016 to 2025. Investigations revealed that he had previous interactions with the ICU, having visited the hospital at least once before the attack for a medical matter involving another individual. Authorities are delving into his motives and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Community Response
In the aftermath, a memorial adorned with flowers and mementos was established on the steps of the West York Borough Police Department to honor Officer Duarte’s sacrifice. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered state and national flags to be flown at half-mast across the state in recognition of Duarte’s service and the collective grief of the community.
This tragic event underscores the escalating concerns regarding safety within healthcare settings and the valor of first responders who confront such perilous situations to protect the public.
