Three police officers were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting Wednesday afternoon in York County, Pennsylvania, in what authorities described as an ambush-style attack. The gunman was fatally shot by police, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher L. Paris said.
The shooting occurred just after 2 p.m. near the 1800 block of Haar Road in Codorus Township, a rural community south of York. Law enforcement officials said officers were attempting to arrest the suspect after charges of stalking and criminal trespass were filed earlier in the day. Investigators believe the shooter appeared to be lying in wait when officers arrived.
Paris said the two wounded officers were in "critical but stable condition" at WellSpan York Hospital, which implemented enhanced security protocols in the immediate aftermath. "The grief will be unbearable, but we will bear it," Paris said during a press conference outside the hospital.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called the incident an "absolutely tragic and devastating day" for the commonwealth. "I think it's important for you to know that these families who are dealing with - they're grieving right now and they're suffering right now - took the time to tell us ... how proud they are of their loved ones who put on a uniform to keep us safe," Shapiro said. He ordered U.S. and Pennsylvania flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen officers.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis urged residents to "please send prayers to the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County" and to follow all law enforcement guidance. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said he was en route to the scene.
Federal agencies are assisting with the investigation. "The FBI and ATF are on the scene to support local law enforcement," U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X. "Violence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable. Pray for the officers involved." Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the agency was monitoring the situation and coordinating with interagency partners.
The incident prompted a temporary shelter-in-place order for the Spring Grove Area School District, which was later lifted after police gave the "all clear." No students or school staff were harmed.
The tragedy comes amid a series of violent attacks targeting Pennsylvania law enforcement this year. In February, West York Patrolman Andrew W. Duarte was killed during a hospital shooting at UPMC Memorial, while two state troopers were shot in Susquehanna County in August.
