UPMC CEO on deadly Pennsylvania hospital shooting: ‘Our hearts are heavy’

In the wake of the fatal shooting at UPMC Memorial, the health system’s leader said staff will be supported in the tragedy.

Leslie Davis, president and CEO of UPMC, said the staffers and police officers injured in the shooting at UPMC Memorial would be supported. One police officer was fatally shot and five others were wounded by gunfire, including three UPMC employees.

Leslie Davis, president and CEO of UPMC, wrote a message on LinkedIn after the horrific tragedy at UPMC Memorial just outside York Saturday. A gunman fatally shot a police officer, and shot and wounded five other people: three UPMC employees and two police officers. Police shot and killed the shooter, who was holding a UPMC staffer at gunpoint, authorities said. Another UPMC staffer was injured in a fall.

“Our hearts are heavy with the news of the tragic act of violence that shattered the calm at UPMC Memorial today and claimed the life of a responding police officer,” Davis wrote.

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Acknowledging those who were injured, Davis said, “They will need our support in the days and weeks ahead as they recover physically and emotionally from these terrible events.”

“We are immensely grateful to our courageous staff who swiftly acted to ensure their safety as well as the safety of our patients and visitors. We owe a debt of gratitude to each of the law enforcement officers who bravely responded to bring the situation to a close,” she wrote.

Authorities said the three UPMC staff members who were injured were a doctor, nurse and custodian. Authorities said the doctor was “grazed,” while the nurse and custodian were in stable condition. The two officers were also listed in stable condition. Davis wrote that the UPMC staffers and police officers had injuries that are not life threatening.

The UPMC staff members are recovering, the system said Sunday.

"In the aftermath of yesterday's tragic event, we are relieved to report that the UPMC Memorial staff members injured are medically stable and progressing in their recovery," UPMC said in a statement. "We extend our sincere wishes for their full and swift recovery. We have provided onsite counseling and Spiritual Care services to staff that will remain available through the upcoming week."

UPMC Memorial is closed to visitors.

"We know that families and visitors are vital to helping patients heal, and we are working toward making visitation possible again," the system said. "There is no longer a police presence on campus, but UPMC Police and Security have enhanced their presence and the campus is safe. The hospital remains on EMS divert but is accepting all patients who arrive via walk-in at the Emergency Department."

UPMC extended thanks to law enforcement, including Andrew Duarte, a member of the West York Borough Police Department, who was shot and killed.

In her post on LinkedIn, Davis also encouraged UPMC staff members to reach out for help if they need it.

“In the wake of this terrible tragedy, I encourage all of our UPMC staff who need support to utilize the resources available to us, which can be found on Infonet,” Davis wrote. “This is a difficult time and an unimaginable circumstance that we never expect to find ourselves in.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said at a news briefing on the shooting that he had spoken to Davis. “I know that the hospital and the health system will provide whatever resources that you need in order to make sure you are able to heal,” Shapiro said.

WellSpan York Hospital was treating five people who were injured. York County District Attorney Tim Barker said the shooter, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, had been in contact with the hospital’s ICU for a medical purpose involving another individual. “This did appear to be targeted at the ICU,” Barker said.

Even with the act of “senseless violence,” Davis lauded “the compassion, bravery, and dedication that each of you display daily.”

Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association, said Sunday that the group is “deeply mourning” the fallen officer and thinking of all the victims.

“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and the entire UPMC community,” Pollack said. “Hospitals are sanctuaries of healing, where dedicated nurses, physicians, and other team members work tirelessly to care for patients. We cannot allow these types of violent acts to persist. As a nation, we must unite and take decisive action to end this relentless cycle of violence."

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