Officials Believe Western Psych Gunman Had Two Firearms

Two are dead and seven are injured at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC in Oakland Thursday afternoon.

Multiple news sources reported this afternoon that several people were shot on the University of Pittsburgh campus after a gunman went WPIC. Police were dispatched to the incident around 2 p.m., according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 

In a press conference at 6 p.m., Mayor Luke Ravenstahl confirmed two people are dead and seven people were rushed to nearby UPMC Presbyterian Hospital's Emergency Room. 

He also confirmed one of the deceased men as the shooter. Pittsburgh police believe one gunman entered the building with two firearms, he said. 

"It's still an active scene," Ravenstahl said. "Our crews are methodically going through the building to make sure every floor and every room is clear."

Chief of Emergency Medicine Dr. Don Yealy also addressed the press.

"Two of the seven patients were evaluated and released," he said. "The remaining patients will be admitted and will require operations within the next 12 to 24 hours.

"I believe all to survive and do well."

Healy credited trauma physicians, social workers and nurses for acting promptly in such a narrow time interval. Ravenstahl commended Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh police, and the city's Public Safety Department, for their heroism and acting so swiftly. He also expressed appreciation to Western Psych employees for assisting law enforcement. 

Claudia Roth, president of Western Psych, said five of the people involved are Western Psych staff members.

She said a number of staff wanted to stay to help this afternoon. She said exceptional care for the 289 patients will continue, and that the staff plans to do a thorough review of safety in the building. 

"Safety and security is of our utmost concern," she said. 

A hotline has been established by Pittsburgh police for those worried about patients, relatives, belongings, etc. at Western Psych. The number to call is 412-623-7724.

An investigation is ongoing and a coroner's report is to be expected.

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