In a tragic moment that unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, on February 22, 2025, West York Borough Police Officer Andrew W. Duarte lost his life while responding to a violent siege orchestrated by a grieving man. The 30-year-old officer, remembered as a dedicated public servant, was struck by a shotgun blast from a fellow officer, a revelation that emerged from a detailed investigation announced by York County District Attorney Tim Barker on April 30, 2025. The gunfire, aimed at stopping the attacker, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, also claimed the life of the 49-year-old gunman, who had held hospital staff hostage in a desperate act fueled by personal loss. The incident left five others injured, including two police officers and three hospital employees, and has cast a long shadow over the community, raising urgent questions about violence in healthcare settings.

The chaos began around 10:30 a.m. when Archangel-Ortiz entered the hospital’s intensive care unit, armed with a stolen 9mm semi-automatic handgun, zip ties, and duct tape. His actions were driven by anguish over the recent death of a woman he lived with, who had been treated at the hospital for a terminal illness. According to Barker, Archangel-Ortiz had been informed the previous night that no further treatment was available for her, and she had passed away in hospice care. Overwhelmed by grief, he returned to the hospital, targeting the ICU where she had been cared for. Upon learning from a doctor that her body had been moved to the morgue, Archangel-Ortiz pulled out his weapon, declaring, “This is what we’re going to talk about.” He fired at the doctor, grazing his arm, and set off a terrifying sequence of events.

Archangel-Ortiz took several hospital staff members hostage, forcing one employee to zip-tie others while he brandished his weapon. He shot a nurse in the leg, who managed to escape and lock herself in a bathroom. Another employee, breaking free from her zip ties, faced the gunman’s wrath as he attempted to fire three more shots, only for the gun to click, its magazine empty. During the standoff, he called his brother, ominously stating, “This is how I’m going out.” As police from multiple agencies, including the West York Borough Police and the York County Quick Response Team, arrived, they attempted to negotiate with Archangel-Ortiz, who fired at an officer attempting to enter the ICU, missing all three shots.

The situation reached its climax when Archangel-Ortiz attempted to leave the ICU, holding a zip-tied nurse, Tosha Trostle, at gunpoint and instructing her to lead him to where the most people were. Trostle later shared a harrowing account on social media, describing how she pleaded for her life as the gun pressed against her neck. As they emerged into a hallway, officers, positioned with a tactical shield, opened fire, unleashing 22 rounds. Archangel-Ortiz was struck at least 15 times and killed. Tragically, a shotgun blast from one officer also hit Duarte, striking him in the arm and chest, and wounded another officer. Trostle, caught in the chaos, fell beneath the gunman’s body, later recalling the chilling sensation of his lifeless hand against her face as she struggled to escape.

Barker, in his announcement, hailed the officers as heroes who acted decisively despite not knowing the gunman’s weapon was empty. He emphasized that their actions were “100% justified and legally appropriate,” noting their willingness to face mortal danger to protect the hostages. The investigation found no warning signs of Archangel-Ortiz’s violent intentions, though his history included a 2016 domestic dispute and a recent traffic violation. Barker suggested that the gunman’s motives might never be fully understood, stating, “Sometimes there is no ‘why.’” The community has rallied around Duarte’s memory, with hundreds attending his funeral and a makeshift memorial of flowers and candles at the West York Police Department.

The attack has underscored the growing threat of violence against healthcare workers in the United States, with survivors like Trostle sharing stories of trauma and recovery. The incident has prompted calls for enhanced security measures at medical facilities and renewed discussions about supporting those grappling with grief and mental health challenges. For York, the loss of Officer Duarte, a former Denver police officer honored for his service, remains a profound wound, even as the bravery of those who confronted the crisis continues to inspire.