Three police officers were killed and two others critically injured in a shooting in the US state of Pennsylvania, while following up on a 'domestic-related' investigation, authorities have said.
Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris confirmed that the gunman was fatally shot by the police during the confrontation.
The incident happened just after 14:00 local time (18:00 GMT). Footage from the scene showed a police officer being airlifted in a medical helicopter amid chaotic scenes.
The shooting led to a nearby school district in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania—a small town of around 2,500 residents—to briefly initiate a shelter-in-place protocol. Fortunately, the school district later confirmed that the facility had not been directly affected.
Authorities reassured the public that there was no active threat following the incident, which unfolded in a rural area of York County in North Codorus Township, approximately 100 miles (160km) east of Philadelphia.
Commissioner Paris added that officers were at the location working on an investigation that had commenced the previous day but withheld further details as the investigation is still ongoing.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro arrived at the scene on Wednesday afternoon to meet with the families of the deceased officers. He expressed deep condolences, saying, 'We grieve for the loss of life of three precious souls who served this county, served this commonwealth, served this country.'
'This kind of violence is not OK; we need to do better as a society,' he emphasized, ordering all flags in the state to be lowered to half-mast in honor of the fallen officers.
All Pennsylvania state flags will be lowered at public buildings and grounds throughout the commonwealth.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that FBI agents are on the ground providing assistance to local and state partners during this tragic circumstance. 'Our prayers are with the officers, their families, and the entire York County community,' Patel said in a statement.
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