UPMC Hospital Gunman, Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, Took Hostages and Killed Police Officer

Update 2/22/25 at 5:30 pm PST

Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the community at UPMC Memorial following a violent incident at the hospital in York County. The attack, which unfolded on a Saturday morning, involved a lone gunman identified as Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, 49, whose actions led to multiple injuries among staff and first responders. Among the victims are a doctor, nurse, and hospital custodian. The ensuing law enforcement response was deemed justified by state leadership and legal authorities.

Among those injured were three medical staff members and three police officers. The shooter entered the hospital armed with a handgun and zip ties. Ortiz allegedly went directly to the ICU, taking several UPMC staff members hostage. At one point, he zip-tied a staff member's hands and held them at gunpoint in the hallway.

2/22/2025 at 11:00 am PST

On Saturday morning, a gunman was fatally shot after opening fire at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania. Hospital officials confirmed that no patients were injured during the incident, though the extent of any other injuries remains unclear. There have been local reports of multiple staff injuries and one police officer fatality. Law enforcement is currently on the scene, managing the situation. ​

Timeline of Events

• 10:43 a.m.: York County 911 received the initial report of an active threat at the hospital, according to Ted Czech, public information officer for the York County Office of Emergency Management/York County 911.​
• Shortly After: Law enforcement responded to the scene, and the gunman was fatally shot.​

Fatalities and Injuries

According to local reports, multiple hospital staff members were injured in the UPMC hospital shooting. A West York Borough police officer, identified as Andrew Duarte, was tragically killed in the incident. Additionally, multiple others were injured, with WellSpan York Hospital confirming that it was treating four people who were hurt in the shooting. While specific details about the injured individuals are not available due to privacy limitations, it's clear that the incident resulted in injuries among hospital staff and law enforcement personnel.

Violence Against Nurses and Healthcare Workers

This incident is part of a concerning trend of violence in U.S. hospitals and medical centers, which have seen an increase in such attacks in recent years. Earlier this week, a nurse was critically injured by a patient at West Palm Hospital in Florida, the patient broke every bone in her face and is facing homicide and attempted murder charges.

Healthcare workers now face higher rates of nonfatal injuries from workplace violence than those in other professions, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Nurses and hospital staff took to social media to express their extreme concern about workplace safety and the increasing violence in healthcare settings. Nurse Blake posted a video about the incident that quickly garnered over 100,000 views and hundreds of comments on Instagram. 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nurse Blake (@nurse.blake)

 

Nurses took to Blake's comments to express their concerns and lived experience, stating: 

• "Our hospital practically has no security. Registration lets people back into the ER without permission or confirmation of who they are. We have no metal detectors. We have no LEO’s on site. I’ve been saying for years that something is going to happen. I hope it never does cause we are definitely not prepared for it." - one nurse commented. 
• "After we had a security officer shot and killed in 2023, they installed metal detectors and bag scanners at all entrances. I wish people understand what we risk to provide LITERAL healthcare to people these days." - another said
• "It’s terrifying to think about how dangerous it’s becoming to even work." another nurse commented.

Official Statements

In response to the incident, UPMC Memorial has asked employees not scheduled to work today to stay home. Families of patients arriving on-site are directed to the parking lot of the OSS building across the street from the hospital. ​

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced that he has been briefed on the situation and is en route to the hospital. He urged the public to follow local authorities' directions and avoid the area. Governor Shapiro assured that the hospital is secure and that more updates will be provided as they become available. 

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Further details will be released as they become available.

🤔Nurses, share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.