WHITE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — One person was killed and eight were wounded in a shooting during a private party at a community center near Indiana University of Pennsylvania early Sunday, police said.
Police and emergency services responded at 12:35 a.m. to a reported shooting at the Chevy Chase Community Center in White Township, the Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement.
Police said eight people were shot and injured and a 22-year-old man from Pittsburgh was pronounced dead at the scene in White Township, which is located about 57 miles northeast of Pittsburgh in Indiana County.
The eight victims were identified as an 18-year-old from Chicago, and an 18-year-old from Florida, and six of the victims were between the ages of 19 and 23, all from Pennsylvania.
Those injured are currently receiving treatment or were treated at the following area hospitals: Indiana Regional Medical Center, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, UPMC Mercy Hospital, and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.
At this time, no suspects are in custody and police are urging anyone with information to immediately contact Troop A, Indiana at 724-357-1960.
According to IUP’s alert system, students are being told to be vigilant and remain in a secure location.
IUP, which is about a mile from the community center, has confirmed to KDKA that two university students were injured in the shooting.
In a letter sent to students from the university's vice president of student affairs, the university addressed feelings of fear and worry that could affect the student body.
"I want to share with you that the two persons injured during last night's incident are students," the letter read. "We will work with them and their families to provide appropriate support. IUP is a community that cares about one another. Your safety and security is our priority, and we continue to look for ways to improve our processes. Because we are a community, we welcome, we need, your help."
Saturday was IUP's homecoming weekend and football game against rival California University of Pennsylvania — also known as "The Coal Bowl."
The community center's executive director Brandi Ports released a statement this morning on social media.
"I know our community will be waking up to the news that there was a shooting at the community center last night. First and foremost, we are praying for everyone involved in the incident that occurred tonight,” she said. “We will be closed until further notice. We will keep the community updated as we can. Please be in prayer for those involved, for our community, and for our staff and volunteers.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has said he was briefed overnight on the shooting.
"As [state police] investigate, Lori and I are praying for the victims of this tragedy," he said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "We ask anyone with information to reach out to the state police. Our hearts are with the White Township community."
State Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41), whose district covers White Township, said the community cannot tolerate mass shootings.
“I am saddened, disturbed and frankly, angry such senseless violence has occurred in our community,” he said. “I have been in communication with Gov. Shapiro this morning and I am confident the perpetrator(s) will be brought to justice swiftly. The Pennsylvania State Police, local law enforcement and emergency service personnel are to be commended for their swift and brave response.”
First Published: October 8, 2023, 12:08 p.m.
Updated: October 8, 2023, 10:15 p.m.
