Healthcare facilities across America face another stark reminder of escalating workplace violence as tragedy struck at UPMC Memorial hospital in York, Pennsylvania. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of both a responding police officer and the gunman, highlights the growing concerns about safety in medical facilities nationwide.
Fatal shooting claims life of veteran police officer
Officer Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department was killed Saturday while responding to a shooting incident at UPMC Memorial hospital. Duarte, who joined the department in 2022, had previously served five years with the Denver Police Department and was recognized with a “hero award” from Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 2021.
“We all have broken hearts and are grieving at his loss,” West York Borough Manager Shawn Mauck told The Associated Press.
Hospital response and immediate aftermath
While the gunman was also killed during the incident, hospital officials confirmed no patients were harmed. UPMC Memorial took immediate precautions, directing off-duty employees to remain home and establishing an alternative location at the OSS building for arriving families. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro personally visited the scene after confirming the facility was “secure.”
Growing pattern of healthcare facility violence
This incident at the 104-bed York facility adds to a disturbing trend of violence in American healthcare settings. According to the CDC, healthcare workers face more nonfatal workplace violence injuries than any other profession. Recent years have seen similar tragic events across the country:
– A security guard was killed at New Hampshire’s psychiatric hospital in 2023
– Two Dallas hospital workers were fatally shot in 2022
– An Atlanta medical center shooting left one dead and four wounded in 2022
– Four people, including a surgeon, were killed at a Tulsa medical office in 2022
UPMC Memorial, which opened in 2019 in York – a city of 40,000 known for creating York Peppermint Patties – now joins the growing list of healthcare facilities grappling with the reality of workplace violence. Hospital spokesperson Susan Manko confirmed that law enforcement continues to manage the situation on-site.
