Pennsylvania shooter who killed eight was a grandfather, says slain child’s dad

Key Points:

• A 45-year-old grandfather in Erie, Pennsylvania, killed eight people, including family members and a friend, before taking his own life in a mass shooting at a home on Friday; authorities have not released the names of the victims or the shooter.
• Witnesses and acquaintances described the shooter as appearing normal and not showing signs of distress, with some suggesting that his outward demeanor was a façade.
• The victims included a one-year-old girl, a pregnant woman, a five-year-old boy, and others closely related to the shooter, while two women who tried to intervene were also killed outside the home.
• Police are investigating the motive, with mental health considered a possible factor; they are examining cellphones and speaking to relatives to understand what led to the tragedy.
• Erie’s mayor expressed deep sorrow and support for the grieving community, while friends and family struggled to comprehend how such violence could come from a seemingly loving family man.