A reportedly distraught gunman held intensive care unit staff hostage at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, and killed a police officer in a shootout. According to news reports, the gunman had been removed from the hospital by security the night before after becoming “emotionally overwrought” when learning that there was no treatment available for his terminally ill wife, who was being cared for at the hospital. In addition to the slain officer, three hospital employees and two police officers were shot, and the gunman was killed by police.

Tragic incidents like these, where multiple people are shot and killed, are unfortunately common across the country. As a result, many states, including Pennsylvania, increase penalties substantially for crimes that involve the use of a gun. If you are facing criminal charges for an incident where you are also accused of having or using a weapon, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. Call the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team at 888.535.3686 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation to learn more about how we can help.

The Hospital Shooting in York

At a press conference held shortly after the shootings, The York County District Attorney stated that the gunman entered the hospital carrying a bag with a handgun and zip ties and proceeded to the ICU. There, he held staff members hostage and, at some point, shot three of them – a physician, a nurse, and a custodian.

As police prepared to enter the ICU to confront him, the gunman held an ICU staff member hostage at gunpoint and ordered them to get back from the ICU doors. When the gunman entered the hallway to the ICU, the police opened fire, and the gunman responded, hitting three officers, one fatally. The gunman was killed by police in the shootout.

Unfortunately, gun violence involving multiple victims is not unusual in the US, with more than 500 mass shootings in 2024. According to the National Fraternal Order of Police, 58 officers had been shot in the line of duty during January and February of 2025 alone.

Pennsylvania's Enhanced Penalties for Weapons Use

Pennsylvania increases penalties when a court determines that the defendant either possessed a “deadly weapon” when committing a crime or used a deadly weapon when committing a crime. A deadly weapon is defined as any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, or one of any number of other weapons, including a “dangerous weapon” such as a knife, so-called “brass knuckles,” blackjack, or “other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose.” The sentence enhancements for using a deadly weapon are greater than those for possessing it during the course of a crime.

The LLF Law Firm Can Defend You Against Weapons-Related Charges

If you have been charged with committing a crime in Pennsylvania, including a violent crime where the charges include allegations that you had or used a weapon during the alleged incident, you need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The attorneys from the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team regularly defend clients accused of a wide range of crimes all across Pennsylvania. We know what it takes for prosecutors to prove their case against you beyond a reasonable doubt, and we will fight for your rights and will vigorously defend you against the charges you're facing.

When you're facing criminal charges, the stakes are high – your liberty and your future are at stake. And when weapons allegations are part of the charges, the stakes are even higher. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team is ready to help you fight those charges, protect your rights, and defend you from start to finish. Call us today at 888.535.3686 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys. When your future is on the line, the LLF Law Firm can help you protect it.