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 reported.
Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris stated that the gunman was fatally shot by the police during the confrontation.
The incident occurred shortly after 2:00 PM local time. Eyewitness reports and images from the scene showed a police officer being airlifted in a medical helicopter.
This tragic shooting led to a nearby school district in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania — a small town with a population of about 2,500 — briefly sheltering in place; however, officials later confirmed that the school had not been directly affected.
Despite the chaos, officials assured the community that there was no ongoing threat to the public. The shooting took place in a rural area of York County, North Codorus Township, approximately 100 miles east of Philadelphia.
Authorities indicated that the officers were present due to investigations that commenced the day before the incident occurred.
Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the community, meeting with the families of the officers who lost their lives, stating, 'We grieve for the loss of life of three precious souls who served this county, served this commonwealth, served this country.' He stressed that 'this kind of violence is not OK, we need to do better as a society.'
In a show of respect and mourning, Governor Shapiro ordered all state flags to be lowered to half-mast in honor of the victims.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that agents were providing assistance to local and state authorities and expressed solidarity with the officers and their families.
As investigations continue, the local community is coming to terms with this tragic loss.
