On a quiet Saturday morning, tragedy struck the UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, when 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz entered the facility armed with a handgun and zip ties. What unfolded next was a horrifying sequence of events that left a police officer dead, five others wounded, and an entire community shaken.
The incident has once again raised concerns about violence in spaces that should be safe havens, such as hospitals. The motives behind the attack remain unclear, but authorities believe the assailant had a specific reason for targeting the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
Diogenes Archangel Ortiz arrived at the hospital early in the morning, carrying a bag containing a handgun and zip ties. According to York County District Attorney Tim Barker, he made his way directly to the ICU, where he proceeded to take medical staff hostage.
His exact motive remains uncertain, but investigators revealed that he had been in contact with the ICU in the past week regarding a medical issue involving another individual.
The terrifying ordeal saw Diogenes Archangel Ortiz holding an ICU employee at gunpoint while tying their hands with zip ties. Law enforcement officers responded swiftly and attempted to engage him in negotiations.
However, the situation escalated quickly when Ortiz emerged into the hallway with the hostage still at gunpoint. At that moment, officers opened fire, killing Ortiz. The immediate threat was neutralized, but the damage had already been done.
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In the exchange of gunfire, one police officer, Andrew Duarte, was fatally shot. Two other officers suffered gunshot wounds but were reported to be in stable condition.
GRIEF TURNS DEADLY: 3 SHOT, SUSPECT KILLED AT YORK HOSPITAL.
— JAS (@JasADRxquisites) February 22, 2025
York, Pennsylvania – A deadly shooting struck UPMC Memorial Hospital in West Manchester Township, York County, at 10:44 AM today, injuring three and ending with the suspect’s death. John David Ramsey, 38, opened fire,… pic.twitter.com/AJTZjbhN7D
Additionally, three hospital employees—a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian—were injured by gunfire, while another staff member was hurt in a fall during the chaos. Thankfully, no patients at the hospital were harmed during the incident.
A Community in Mourning
The death of Officer Andrew Duarte sent shockwaves through the community. Duarte, who had been serving in York since 2022 after previously working with the Denver Police Department, was known for his dedication to public service.
In 2021, he received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hero Award for his work in impaired driving enforcement. His tragic passing has left his colleagues and the local community mourning the loss of a true hero.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his condolences, stating, “He was someone who put on the uniform of service and went out to try and keep his neighbors safe. He is to be commended for a life of service, albeit cut way too short.”
The Fraternal Order of Police and local officials echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the bravery and sacrifice demonstrated by Duarte in his final moments.
The attack has also deeply affected the hospital staff, many of whom are grappling with the trauma of witnessing violence in their workplace.
Witnesses recalled scenes of panic, with alarms blaring and medical personnel running through the hallways, trying to ensure the safety of patients while also fearing for their own lives. One visitor, Betsy Small, described the surreal nature of the event, saying, “You never think it’s going to be a shooting, not in a hospital.”
As the dust settles, the hospital and the wider York community are focusing on healing. State and local leaders have pledged to support healthcare workers and first responders who were affected by the attack. Counseling services and other resources have been made available to help those struggling with the emotional aftermath.
The Growing Threat of Violence in Healthcare Settings
The tragic events at UPMC Memorial Hospital highlight a disturbing trend: the increasing violence faced by healthcare workers. According to the American Hospital Association, healthcare professionals are five times more likely to experience workplace violence compared to workers in other industries.
The attack in York is yet another example of how medical facilities, which should be places of healing and safety, are becoming battlegrounds for violent incidents.
The rise in attacks against healthcare workers has been attributed to various factors, including growing tensions in the medical field, heightened stress levels due to the ongoing healthcare crisis, and the broader issue of gun violence in the United States.
In 2024 alone, there have been at least 37 mass shootings in the first two months of the year, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive. The attack at UPMC Memorial Hospital adds to the alarming number of incidents where innocent lives have been disrupted or lost due to senseless violence.
This incident also underscores the urgent need for improved security measures in hospitals. While many medical facilities already have security protocols in place, incidents like this suggest that more needs to be done.
Enhanced screening procedures, increased law enforcement presence, and better training for hospital staff on how to handle active shooter situations may be necessary to prevent future tragedies.
In response to the attack, Pennsylvania state officials have vowed to work closely with healthcare institutions to strengthen safety protocols.
Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of ensuring that hospitals remain safe spaces, stating, “Every day when you put on your white coat or your uniform of service, you are performing that function because you care about your neighbors. Something like this should never, ever happen in your place of work.”
The attack at UPMC Memorial Hospital serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by first responders and healthcare workers.
As investigations continue into the motives of Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, one thing remains clear: the community must come together to support the victims, honor the fallen officer, and work towards making hospitals safer for everyone.
Whether through policy changes, increased security measures, or public awareness campaigns, action must be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏