West Manchester Township, PA – The tight-knit community of West York Borough is in mourning following the tragic death of Officer Andrew Duarte, who was fatally shot in the line of duty while responding to an active shooter situation at UPMC Memorial Hospital in West Manchester Township, Pennsylvania, on the morning of Saturday, February 22, 2025.

The York County Office of Emergency Management confirmed that the first distress call reporting an active shooter threat inside the hospital came in at precisely 10:43 a.m. This triggered an immediate and large-scale emergency response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police, the West Manchester Township Police Department, and the West York Borough Police Department.

Within minutes, heavily armed officers arrived on the scene, swiftly mobilizing to assess the rapidly developing situation inside the hospital. Reports indicate that gunshots had already been fired within the facility, and the suspected gunman posed an ongoing threat.

Officer Andrew Duarte’s Heroic Response

Among the officers who entered the building to confront the shooter was Officer Andrew Duarte, a dedicated public servant known for his bravery and commitment to the safety of his community.

Eyewitnesses reported that Officer Duarte was among the first law enforcement personnel to enter the facility’s critical care unit, where the shooter had barricaded himself with a firearm. During the tense moments that followed, an exchange of gunfire ensued. It was during this confrontation that Officer Duarte sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Fellow officers immediately rendered aid, desperately attempting to stabilize him, while paramedics rushed to transport him for emergency medical intervention. Despite the best efforts of first responders and medical staff, Officer Duarte succumbed to his injuries, devastating his colleagues and the entire West York Borough community.

Shooter Confirmed Deceased, No Additional Threat to the Public

Public Information Officer Ted Czech of York County 911 later confirmed that the threat had been neutralized. Authorities have stated that the suspect, whose identity has not yet been officially disclosed, was fatally shot by responding officers during the engagement.

In a brief statement, Pennsylvania State Police reassured the public, saying, “At this time, the shooter is deceased, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.”

Immediate Police and Medical Response

As the situation unfolded, hospital staff worked diligently to ensure the safety of all patients and personnel. The hospital’s emergency response protocols were swiftly activated, leading to an immediate lockdown of the facility. Security personnel ushered patients and staff into designated safe areas as law enforcement officers worked to secure the premises.

A spokesperson for UPMC Memorial Hospital provided an update on hospital operations, stating:

“We have received confirmed reports of a gunman at UPMC Memorial and shots fired. The gunman is deceased, and no patients have been injured. The hospital is now secure. Law enforcement remains on site and is managing the situation. Employees who are not scheduled to work today should stay home. A hotline has been established at (717) 849-5338 or (717) 849-5334 for families of patients seeking information. Families arriving at the hospital should report to the parking lot of the OSS building across the street.”

The swift and coordinated efforts of hospital staff, emergency responders, and law enforcement personnel ensured that no patients were harmed during the harrowing ordeal.

Community Mourns the Loss of Officer Andrew Duarte

The tragic loss of Officer Andrew Duarte has left an indelible mark on the community he served so faithfully. The West York Borough Police Department issued an emotional statement via social media:

“We are heartbroken to report the loss of Officer Andrew Duarte, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, fellow officers, and all those impacted by this tragedy.”

A makeshift memorial has already begun forming outside the West York Borough Police Department headquarters at 1381 West Poplar Street, where community members have been invited to pay their respects by laying flowers, lighting candles, and leaving heartfelt messages of condolence.

Officer Duarte, who had been with the West York Borough Police Department for several years, was widely regarded as a dedicated officer who embodied courage, integrity, and selflessness. His colleagues described him as a “true protector” who always put the well-being of others before his own.

Law Enforcement and Government Officials React

News of Officer Duarte’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences and tributes from state and local officials. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the incident, stating:

“I’ve been briefed on the tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County and I am on my way to the scene. The hospital is now secure, and members of the @PAStatePolice and @PEMAHQ are on the ground responding alongside our local and federal partners. Follow the direction of local authorities and stay clear of the area. We will share more updates as they become available.”

State Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill expressed her condolences, stating:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Andrew Duarte, a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his fellow officers, and the entire West York Borough community. His bravery and dedication will never be forgotten.”

In addition, the Pennsylvania State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police shared a message of solidarity, saying:

“We mourn the loss of Officer Andrew Duarte, a fallen brother who gave his life in service to his community. The law enforcement family stands together in grief and gratitude for his sacrifice.”

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps

While the immediate threat has been eliminated, the investigation into the events leading up to the shooting remains ongoing. Law enforcement officials, including detectives from the Pennsylvania State Police and the York County District Attorney’s Office, are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The identity of the suspect, as well as any possible motives, has yet to be officially disclosed. Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities and are currently reviewing surveillance footage, conducting witness interviews, and gathering forensic evidence to piece together the exact sequence of events.

A press conference is expected in the coming days to provide further details regarding the investigation.

Support for Officer Duarte’s Family

As the West York Borough Police Department and the broader law enforcement community grieve the loss of Officer Duarte, efforts are being made to support his family during this devastating time. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist his loved ones with funeral expenses and to provide additional financial support. The page has already received an overwhelming response from members of the community, fellow law enforcement officers, and strangers moved by his sacrifice.

A candlelight vigil is also being planned in Officer Duarte’s honor, where colleagues, friends, and residents will gather to celebrate his life and service.

Conclusion

The tragic events that unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital on February 22, 2025, have left an entire community in mourning. The loss of Officer Andrew Duarte serves as a painful reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face every day in their mission to protect and serve.

As investigations continue, the West York Borough community stands together in grief, gratitude, and solidarity, honoring the legacy of a hero who gave his life in the line of duty.

Rest in peace, Officer Andrew Duarte. Your bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.