3 shot dead in Pennsylvania; suspected gunman barricaded in home

A suspect who is accused of fatally shooting three victims in Pennsylvania is now believed to be barricaded in Trenton, New Jersey, home.

Mar 16, 2024 - 16:15
3 shot dead in Pennsylvania; suspected gunman barricaded in home

Police have lifted a shelter-in-place order in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, after an active shooter with an AR-15-style rifle killed at least three people and fled across state lines.

Authorities say that suspect Andre Gordon, 26, is currently barricaded inside a residence in Trenton, New Jersey. He is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous, according to the Falls Township Police Department.

"The suspect is believed to be in the house on Phillips Ave in Trenton. The residents have been successfully evacuated with no injuries," Detective Lt. Lisette Rios of the Trenton Police Department confirmed to Fox News Digital. "At this time FBI resources are on standby while the ATF, NJSP, Mercer County Rapid Response Team and Mercer County Homicide Task Force are also on scene with the Trenton Police Department." 

Gordon allegedly shot and killed his 52-year-old stepmother and 13-year-old sister inside a Falls Township home on Saturday morning. Three other people, including a minor, who were inside the home were able to hide.

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He is then accused of shooting and killing 25-year-old Taylor Daniel, who was the mother of their two kids, at another home in the area. Four others inside the home survived. 

One of the survivors, Daniel's mother, was injured when she was hit by his gun but is expected to survive, Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn told reporters. 

Falls Township Police Department Chief of Police Nelson Whitney said his department previously had minor contact with Gordon before the shooting, but "nothing that would indicate anything like this," he said in a Friday afternoon press conference. 

At around 8:52 a.m. on Saturday, officers were dispatched to investigate reports of a shooting at the unit block of Viewpoint Lane, Levittown. A preliminary investigation determined that Gordon allegedly shot and killed two individuals who live at the residence, according to Christopher Clark, an operations lieutenant with the Falls Township Police Department.

Clark said that following the shooting at around 9:01 a.m., Gordon went to the unit block of Edgewood Lane, where he allegedly shot and killed another individual before fleeing the scene. Approximately 12 minutes later, Gordon allegedly carjacked a victim at gunpoint in the parking lot of the Dollar General in Bristol Pike, Morrisville. The carjacking victim suffered no injuries, according to police.

"It is believed that Gordon knew all of the victims (except the victim of the carjacking)," Clark said. "Gordon is believed to be currently homeless and has ties to the Trenton, New Jersey, area." 

The stolen vehicle Gordon allegedly drove is a 2016 dark gray Honda CRV, with Pennsylvania license plate KFR 1534 and a "Namaste" sticker in white lettering on the right side of the rear bumper. The vehicle was located at approximately 11:38 a.m., unoccupied, in the 100 block of Miller Street in Trenton, police said. 

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Police described Gordon as approximately 6-foot-1 with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and is believed to be in possession of a rifle. He may be in possession of other weapons as well, according to police. 

He is currently believed to be homeless and has ties to the Falls Township area.  

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said he has been briefed on the developing situation and has directed the Pennsylvania State Police to support local law enforcement. 

"For those in the area, please continue to shelter in place and listen to law enforcement’s direction," Shapiro said. 

Authorities in neighboring Middletown Township said there have been confirmed shootings in Falls Township.

"There are several gun shot victims and it is unknown at this time if they are targeted or random," the Middletown Township Police Department said. "MTPD is monitoring our traffic and borders, and it does not seem that the shooter has entered our township limits." 

Middletown Township police said this is a "fluid situation" and warned residents not to travel to Falls Township until further notice.

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The Bucks County District Attorney's Office said multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in an investigation.

"The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement officials are assisting the Falls Township Police Department in an active police investigation and are urging residents in the township to shelter-in-place. Report any suspicious activity to 911," the DA's office said. 

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., who represents Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District, said his office is monitoring the situation.

"There is an active shooter alert in Falls Township — we are monitoring a carjacking and a shooting in two sections of Falls Township," Fitzpatrick posted on X. "I’m in touch with law enforcement officials as they pursue the suspect. More information to follow — please be alert of your surroundings and stay safe." 

The Bucks County St. Patrick's Day Parade was canceled due to the shelter-in-place order and several local businesses in the area have temporarily closed, FOX 29 Philadelphia reported

Falls Township is located about 28 miles northeast of Philadelphia.

This is a developing story and will be updated.