Gunman kills nine in Erie including two kids before turning the gun on himself

Nine people are dead in Erie, Pennsylvania after a man opened fire on Friday night. Two of the victims were children. The gunman also died.

Local outlet Erie News Now says witnesses spotted the man with a handgun firing outside a house. He then went into the home. Two women were reportedly found in the street with fatal gunshot wounds.

A standoff at the house

Calls to 911 brought police and a SWAT team to the scene at about 5 PM. Officers reportedly surrounded the home and used a loudspeaker to tell the suspect to come out.

Before they went in, police reportedly heard more shots inside. Officers then found more victims. The children were reportedly among them. Police say the gunman appears to have shot himself.

What officials said

No motive has been given. None of the victims has been named.

Police Chief Rick Lorah called the deaths devastating and said the facts his team is sorting through are deeply disturbing.

Mayor Daria Devlin said in a statement that the city is facing a "terrible tragedy." She added that the public is no longer in danger.