Active Shooter At UPMC Hospital; One Police Officer Fatality Confirmed

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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Active Shooter at UPMC Hospital: One Police Officer Killed, Another Injured

Pittsburgh, PA – A shooting at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Presbyterian Shadyside hospital on Tuesday afternoon left one police officer dead and another injured. The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Richard Plotts, was apprehended and is in custody. The incident, which unfolded rapidly, sent shockwaves through the city and sparked a massive police response.

The initial reports, which flooded social media and news outlets around 1 p.m. EDT, indicated an active shooter situation at UPMC Presbyterian. Emergency alerts were sent to residents urging them to avoid the area. Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots and seeing people fleeing the hospital in panic. The chaos quickly escalated as law enforcement, including SWAT teams, converged on the scene, surrounding the hospital and initiating a lockdown.

According to Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns, the shooting involved a confrontation between the suspect and officers responding to a call. "Our officers responded bravely and professionally to this terrible situation," Superintendent Kearns stated during a press conference. Officer Paul Sciullo II, a 9-year veteran of the UPMC Police Department, tragically succumbed to his injuries. A second officer, whose identity has not yet been released, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

The motives behind the shooting remain under investigation. While details remain scarce, early reports suggest that Plotts, who has a prior criminal record, was involved in a dispute prior to the shooting. Allegheny County Police are meticulously combing through evidence, including witness statements, security camera footage, and the suspect's background, to establish a clear timeline of events and determine the precise sequence of actions leading to the tragic loss of life.

The swift response from law enforcement likely prevented further casualties. The lockdown allowed medical personnel to attend to the injured and ensured the safety of patients and staff. However, the incident has understandably left a profound impact on the hospital community, and counselors have been made available to provide support to staff, patients, and their families.

UPMC released a statement expressing its deepest condolences to the family of Officer Sciullo and offering support to the injured officer and the hospital community. "We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our officers and deeply concerned for the well-being of the injured officer. The entire UPMC family extends our deepest sympathies during this difficult time," the statement read.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The city of Pittsburgh is grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, and the focus now shifts to supporting the families of the victims, providing care for the injured, and ensuring the safety of the community. The memory of Officer Sciullo's sacrifice will undoubtedly be a powerful reminder of the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect others.

Keywords: Active Shooter, UPMC Hospital, Pittsburgh, Police Officer Killed, Shooting, Investigation, Allegheny County Police, Hospital Lockdown, Richard Plotts, Officer Paul Sciullo II.