A violent exchange in Pennsylvania left three law enforcement officers dead and two more in critical condition as they responded to a domestic disturbance case, according to officials.
State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris confirmed that the suspect was shot and killed by responding officers.
The confrontation occurred shortly after 2 p.m. local time (6 p.m. GMT). Photos from the area captured the moment a wounded officer was evacuated by helicopter for emergency care.
As the situation unfolded, schools in the Spring Grove district—home to roughly 2,500 residents—were briefly ordered to shelter in place. Authorities later clarified that no school facilities had been directly impacted.
Authorities confirmed that the wider community was not in immediate danger. The deadly exchange took place in North Codorus Township, a rural part of York County, roughly 100 miles (160 km) west of Philadelphia.
Police said the officers had been following up on an inquiry that started a day earlier. Because the case remains under investigation, Commissioner Christopher Paris noted that only limited information could be shared at this stage.
On Wednesday afternoon, Governor Josh Shapiro traveled to the scene, where he met with the families of the fallen officers, according to local reports. In his remarks, Shapiro mourned the loss of “three remarkable individuals who dedicated themselves to serving this county, this commonwealth, and this nation,” adding that such violence must not be tolerated and that society has to strive for better.
To honor the officers, the governor directed that all state flags be flown at half-staff across public properties throughout Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel stated that federal agents were assisting state and local authorities, and he extended condolences to the officers’ families as well as to the York County community.
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