Three law enforcement officers were shot dead and two others were critically wounded in Pennsylvania on Wednesday in a confrontation with a gunman who was fatally shot by police, officials said.
The shooting unfolded in Codorus Township, a York County community in southeastern Pennsylvania, when the officers involved returned to the scene of some earlier police work, state police commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris said.
“They were there to follow up on an investigation that began yesterday,” he told reporters at a news conference hours later. He declined to elaborate on the circumstances, except to characterise the investigation as “domestic-related.”
Three officers died, and two others struck by gunfire were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were listed in critical but stable conditions.
At least one local news media outlet reported the officers were attempting to serve a search warrant when the gunfire occurred.
Paris said the shooter was shot to death by police. The suspect was not publicly identified, and authorities declined to immediately reveal the law enforcement agencies to which the officers belonged.
“Our hearts and our prayers go out to the officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Police Chief Nathan Harper said in a televised press conference.
“It’s a very sad day for the Pittsburgh police bureau. We have never had to lose three officers in a line of duty at one time in one call.”
“He had one assault rifle and one long-arm rifle as well as one pistol and a lot of ammo,” Harper had said earlier.
The first officers were cut down immediately upon entering the house, leading Harper to say he believed they were victims of a trap set by the gunman.
“As soon as the officer stepped through the doorway, he was immediately met with gunfire,” Harper said. He and a second officer who came through the doorway were both shot in the head.
Harper said the gunman, who has been hospitalised, will be charged with three counts of homicide. Killing a police officer is punishable by death in the state of Pennsylvania.
Governor Josh Shapiro travelled to the hospital to pay respects to the fallen officers, saying, “This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day for York County, for the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” He asked for prayers for the families of the victims.
“It’s important for you to know that these families who are grieving right now … how proud they are of their loved ones who put on the uniform to keep us safe,” he said.
Shapiro also acknowledged he had received a call from US Attorney General Pam Bondi offering whatever federal support was necessary.
