YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) - Three law enforcement officers are dead and two others are injured after a shooting in York County on Wednesday, according to Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris.
Northern York County Regional Police Department said in a Thursday statement on Facebook that three of their officers were killed and a fourth remains hospitalized. Calls for the Northern York County Regional Police Department, where a memorial is growing outside, are currently being handled by Pennsylvania State Police.
Col. Paris says the two injured officers were in critical but stable condition on Wednesday night after a "critical incident that has rocked the community here in York County."
State Police say the suspected shooter was killed by police and there is no ongoing threat to the community. The Associated Press, citing a law enforcement official, says the suspect was identified as 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth.
According to Col. Paris, the officers had responded to the area to follow up on a domestic-related investigation that began on Tuesday in the area of Haar Road and Senft Road. The day prior, police had responded to the area for a report of a man looking into a home with binoculars. Police later issued an arrest warrant for Ruth, charging him with stalking, loitering and prowling, and criminal trespass.
On Wednesday afternoon, a neighbor told abc27 News they heard gunshots while officers were in the area near a barn, and officials say a 911 call came in around 2:10 p.m.
"This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day for York County and for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," Governor Josh Shapiro said during a press conference at WellSpan York Hospital. "Grieve for the loss of life for three precious souls who served this county, served this commonwealth, and served this country, and we continue to pray for the full recovery of those who are dealing with their wounds."
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"It's an extraordinary thing that these law enforcement families do," the governor added. "They support the individual who puts on the uniform and runs toward danger," Shapiro said. "They're there for them when they leave in the morning and they pray throughout the day that they will come home at night."
The governor has ordered flags in the Commonwealth to fly at half-staff in memory of the officers.
PHOTOS: Five officers shot in York County; community mourns
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, who previously served as York County District Attorney, said Wednesday, “The death of any public servant is an absolute tragedy. Learning that three officers were killed in York County where I worked for many years as a prosecutor, and where I still call home, is unfathomable."
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi says the FBI and ATF are on scene assisting local law enforcement, and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says they are monitoring the "tragic attack" and working with partners in the region.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Wednesday, "Our prayers are with the officers, their families, and the entire York County community."
The Spring Grove Area School District sheltered in place for several hours due to the incident. Students have now been released, but the district says parents should know some roads may still be closed.
The Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia said in a social media post that they were “monitoring the incident” and told the Associated Press this was "only a precautionary alert for our community."
The shooting comes nearly seven months after West York Borough Office Andrew Duarte was fatally shot at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
