A police officer was killed and five others were injured Saturday morning after a gunman took medical staff hostage and opened fire inside a hospital in York, Pennsylvania, authorities confirmed.

The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, was shot dead by law enforcement during a tense standoff at the facility. York County District Attorney Tim Barker told reporters the incident began when Ortiz entered the hospital armed with a handgun and zip ties, heading straight for the intensive care unit (ICU).

Once inside the ICU, Ortiz took staff members hostage, sparking a violent confrontation. Three hospital employees—a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian—were shot, while another staff member was injured in a fall. Two responding police officers were also wounded but are listed in stable condition.

Police attempted to negotiate with Ortiz, who at one point held an ICU employee at gunpoint and demanded officers retreat. The situation escalated when Ortiz emerged into a hallway, still clutching the hostage, prompting officers to open fire and kill him.

Investigators say the attack appears to have been targeted at the ICU, noting Ortiz had contacted the unit the previous week regarding a medical issue involving another person. The motive, however, remains unclear as authorities continue their investigation.

The slain officer was identified as Andrew Duarte, a member of the York Police Department since 2022, who previously served five years with the Denver Police Department. Officials hailed Duarte as a hero who gave his life in the line of duty.

The shooting has shaken the York community, and a full investigation is underway to uncover the circumstances leading to this tragic event. More details are expected as authorities piece together the sequence of events. (ILKHA)