A Nurse’s Harrowing Tale: Surviving an Armed Attack in a Pennsylvania Hospital

The Attack Unfolds: A Nurse’s Nightmare

On a typical Saturday morning at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, chaos erupted when a gunman, later identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, entered the intensive care unit. Nurse Tosha Trostle, who has since shared her harrowing experience in a heartfelt Facebook post, found herself in the midst of unimaginable danger. While drawing blood, Trostle heard a commotion and assumed it was a routine issue, such as a patient fall or a staff assist. However, as she turned the corner into the hallway, she was met with a horrifying sight: her coworker, Jessica Breighner, being held at gunpoint by the attacker.

Trostle described the moment as one of pure fear, noting that Breighner’s eyes reflected a terror that words could hardly capture. The attacker forced Breighner to zip-tie Trostle’s arms behind her back, leaving her defenseless. As the gunman held her hostage, Trostle recalled the bizarre detail of his red sneakers—a image etched into her mind as she lay at his feet. She also remembered the sound of the gun being reloaded, a moment that filled her with dread. The attacker then dragged her through the hospital, pushing her into a wall where photos of the unit’s leadership, including Breighner’s, were displayed. Trostle begged to be released, pleading to return home to her children. The gunman responded by pressing the weapon against her neck and spine, petting her head, and falsely reassuring her that she was safe.

A Desperate Escape and the Sound of Gunfire

As the attacker forced Trostle to lead him toward the hospital floor where the most people were, they encountered a group of responding police officers. Trostle described the scene as a "wall of armed officers" aiming at them. In that moment, she closed her eyes, prayed, and braced for the worst. Gunshots rang out, and she could smell the smoke and hear the sound of bullet casings hitting the floor. Trostle fell to the ground under the weight of the shooter’s body, her zip-tied hands making it difficult to move. She struggled to free herself, recalling the chilling sensation of the gunman’s limp, cold hand against her face as she pushed away with her feet.

Despite her efforts to stand, Trostle fell twice before an officer finally guided her to safety in another room. The physical and emotional toll of the incident was evident as she recounted her ordeal. She later wrote about the profound sadness and guilt she felt, not just for her own trauma but also for the mental and physical injuries sustained by the first responders, particularly Officer Andrew Duarte, who lost his life in the confrontation.

A Coworker’s Brave Escape

Trostle’s story is not the only one to emerge from this tragic event. Her coworker, Jessica Breighner, who was also held hostage, managed to escape after the gunman’s weapon appeared to malfunction. According to Jason Huff, Breighner’s partner of over 20 years, the attacker pressed the gun against her head and pulled the trigger three times, but it was apparently out of ammunition. Seizing the opportunity, Breighner broke free from her zip ties and fled the scene. Huff, who shared the details in a separate Facebook post, described her bravery and quick thinking, expressing gratitude that she was able to escape. Before she ran, Breighner was forced to listen as the gunman called someone to warn them to clean out his apartment and retrieve jewelry, indicating his willingness to die.

Huff has since expressed a desire to speak publicly about the incident, hoping to shed more light on the courage and resilience of those who survived the attack.

The Aftermath: Mourning and Reflection

The incident has left the community reeling, with one officer, 30-year-old West York Patrolman Andrew Duarte, losing his life in the line of duty. Duarte’s funeral is scheduled for Friday in York, a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by first responders. In addition to Duarte’s death, two other officers and three hospital employees were injured during the attack. Authorities confirmed that Archangel-Ortiz was shot and killed by police after taking hostages. While the exact motives behind the attack remain unclear, York County District Attorney Tim Barker noted that Archangel-Ortiz had recently been in contact with the intensive care unit for a medical purpose involving another person. However, he declined to elaborate further.

For Trostle and the other survivors, the road to recovery will be long and arduous. Trostle has been open about the emotional scars left by the attack, writing about the immense sadness and guilt she feels for those affected, including the officers who responded to the scene. She also reflected on the unseen injuries she and others carry, emphasizing that the physical wounds pale in comparison to the mental toll of the trauma.

A Community United in Grief and Gratitude

The incident has sparked an outpouring of support from the community, with many expressing gratitude for the bravery of the healthcare workers and first responders involved. Trostle’s Facebook post has been shared widely, resonating with many who have praised her strength and resilience. The health system, UPMC, has emphasized its commitment to safety and privacy but has referred further questions to law enforcement.

As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, the stories of Trostle, Breighner, and Officer Duarte serve as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by healthcare workers and law enforcement every day. Their courage in the face of danger has inspired countless individuals, offering a glimmer of hope amid the devastation.

Moving Forward: Lessons Learned and Healing

The events at UPMC Memorial Hospital have raised important questions about hospital safety and the preparedness of healthcare facilities for such incidents. While the investigation into the attack is ongoing, the accounts of Trostle and Breighner provide a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist within healthcare settings.

For now, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and honoring the memory of Officer Andrew Duarte, whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten. As Trostle and others begin the healing process, their stories serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring bonds of camaraderie in the face of adversity.