Eight people, including two children, were killed in a mass shooting at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, while the suspected gunman also died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, bringing the total death toll to nine, authorities said.

The shooting occurred near the intersection of East 7th and Perry streets at around 5 p.m. local time on Friday, October 9, according to local reports. Police responded after receiving reports of a man firing a handgun outside a residence before entering the home.

Officers found two women dead in the street before surrounding the property and attempting to persuade the gunman to surrender. The situation developed into a standoff, during which additional gunshots were heard from inside the house.

When officers entered the residence, they discovered more victims, including two children, as well as the suspected shooter, who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In a statement issued Saturday, Erie city officials confirmed that nine people had died and sought to address concerns about the police response.

“Investigators have determined that all deaths occurred before officers arrived,” the statement said, adding that the deaths were not the result of a prolonged standoff or a delay in police action.

The city said the situation had been contained and there was no ongoing threat to public safety.

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the scene as one of the most difficult and heartbreaking incidents he had encountered during his more than 28 years in law enforcement.

“The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing,” Lorah said, expressing sympathy for the victims, their families and everyone affected by the tragedy.

He declined to speculate about a possible motive, saying investigators were working to establish the circumstances of the shooting and would not release information that could compromise the investigation.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said he had offered his administration’s full support to Erie Mayor Daria Devlin and the local community following the shooting.

“My heart breaks for this family,” Shapiro said, adding that he and his wife were praying for the victims’ loved ones and the entire Erie community.

The mayor was expected to address the incident at a news conference on Saturday as investigators continued their work.

Authorities had not publicly established a motive for the shooting or released the identities of the victims as of Saturday. The investigation remains ongoing. (ILKHA)