Erie, Pennsylvania: Nine people, including two children, were killed in a shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, according to US media reports. The suspect was also found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
Police were called to Perry Street on Friday evening after eyewitnesses reported seeing a man firing a gun before entering a home, according to media reports on Saturday local time.
Two women were found dead on the street, while additional victims were later discovered inside the house, Xinhua reported, citing Erie News Now.
City of Erie authorities said on Saturday that all nine deaths occurred before police arrived at the scene. No further gunshots were fired after officers reached the location.
Police have not released the identities of those killed or disclosed a possible motive. Further details are awaited.
FBI Investigates Alleged Mall of America Attack Plot
In a separate case earlier this month, an 18-year-old Minnesota man was charged with a firearm offence in connection with an alleged plot to attack the Mall of America, the largest shopping centre in the United States, according to court documents.
An FBI affidavit alleges that Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud planned a shooting at the mall in support of the Islamic State. The mall is located in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Mohamud appeared in the US District Court for the District of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minnesota Public Radio reported. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for October 19, according to Fox 9.
Suspect Allegedly Bought Rifle and Ammunition
According to the affidavit, Mohamud allegedly paid $600 to an undercover FBI employee on Tuesday for an AK-47 rifle, four magazines and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition.
Agents arrested him shortly after he left the employee’s vehicle carrying the items. The filing states that the rifle had been rendered inert for safety before the transaction, while the ammunition was live.
The affidavit alleges that Mohamud knew or had reasonable cause to believe that the firearm and ammunition would be used to commit a felony and a federal crime of terrorism.
FBI Probe Began in December 2024
The FBI began investigating Mohamud in December 2024, according to the affidavit. During the investigation, he allegedly exchanged hundreds of messages with a confidential source through social media and encrypted messaging applications.
In July, Mohamud allegedly discussed carrying out a shooting at the mall and said he might kill 30 to 60 people. In September, he reportedly identified October 24 as the date for the planned attack and sent the source a link to a Hmong Arts Celebration scheduled at the mall.
In a statement reported by Minnesota Public Radio, the Mall of America said it maintained multiple layers of security and would continue working with law enforcement.