The shooting occurred around 12:30 p.m.  during a party on a short-term rental property where hundreds of people had gathered – the “vast majority” of them were minors, Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert told reporters during a lunchtime press conference.  .
Shortly after some sort of clash, gunshots were heard both inside and outside, “and possibly back and forth,” Schubert said.  Shells found at the scene indicate pistols and a rifle were used and police believe there were multiple gunshots, Schubert said.
Two male victims died at the hospital, according to police, and eight other people are being treated for gunshot wounds.  A police statement initially said nine people had been injured in the shooting, but Schubert revised the figures at a news conference.  The names of the two boys who died were not immediately known.
Others were injured by jumping out of windows, falling down stairs or simply trying to seek cover or escape, Schubert said.  Two who jumped out of the windows had broken bones, authorities said.  One victim was injured when a car was “shot,” Schubert said.
The ShotSpotter showed that more than 90 rounds were made “and we know there were many more of these between indoor and outdoor space,” Schubert said.  Arriving police found a “very chaotic” scene with injured victims, doctors trying to treat them and people fleeing on foot and in vehicles.
No arrests were reported immediately, but Schubert said “our top priority is to find out who did it and get them out of the way.”  He said he could not comment on a possible motive, but denounced the number of illegal weapons and the many people who have access to them, as well as the powerful mix of alcohol, drugs and weapons.
“It’s heartbreaking; we’re here at Easter and we have a lot of families, two of whom will not see a loved one,” Schubert said.  “Other things to do – how can you take a break when your child is involved in something so traumatic?”
Police were processing evidence in up to eight separate crime scenes spanning several blocks around the shooting scene.  Officials asked anyone with information, including videos or photos of people at the party, to send it to authorities.
Allegheny General Health reported that seven people were treated at Allegheny General Hospital and one at Jefferson Hospital for gunshot wounds or other injuries.  but officials declined to disclose their terms or any other information.
Neighbor Mitchell Wilston, 30, told the Associated Press that he and his wife were out during the shooting, but before leaving they saw the neighborhood crowded, with cars parked incorrectly on the street and a line outside the rented house. home.
“It was so obvious that there would be a problem – there were a number of 14-year-olds trying to get into this place,” he said.  The house has been rented for bachelor parties or other events in the past or for the families of baseball players due to its proximity to the stadium, but there were no problems, he said.
Airbnb spokesman Ben Breit confirmed that the house was rented through the company.  He said the user, who was supposed to be 18 years old or older according to Airbnb rules, had been punished with a life ban.  Breit’s statement said the party was held without the knowledge of the host, whose registration banned the parties and advertised an overnight noise ban.
Breit said Airbnb was working with authorities: “We share the Pittsburgh community ‘s outrage over this tragic gun violence. victims and neighbors. “
In the morning, Wilston found his wife’s white car stained with blood, possibly from someone who had escaped the shooting and was trying to hide behind the vehicle, he said.
“It’s extremely, extremely disturbing to see how the bullets were fired were perpendicular to our house,” he said, adding that he could see bullet holes in one building from his office and in another from another window.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainy condemned the violence, which he attributed in part to the failure to get guns off the streets and provide adequate resources to communities.  He said the city would convene a meeting with local leaders to receive feedback on a new city-wide approach to public safety.
“It is time to move on with a sense of urgency to bring justice to the victims and bring peace to our city,” said Gainey, who is in solitary confinement due to a recent exposure to COVID-19.
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Associated Press reporter Ron Todt in Philadelphia contributed to this report.