Three Pennsylvania police officers were killed, and two others were injured after they came under heavy gunfire while attempting to serve a warrant. The deadly ambush unfolded Wednesday afternoon in York County, when several officers arrived at a farmhouse in North Codorus Township. They were dispatched to the area for a follow-up tied to a domestic investigation that began the day before.
Authorities later identified the suspect as 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, who was fatally shot by police at the scene. After the suspect opened fire on officers, a resident called 911 around 2:10 p.m., reporting gunfire.
A witness, Dave Miller, described the chaos that erupted as dozens of shots rang out, saying that multiple people were on the ground. Miller was driving nearby when he heard the explosions and saw an officer in the barn. He said the police appeared to have been searching for someone when the gunshots suddenly began.
Five law enforcers were shot, and the two who survived were quickly rushed to WellSpan York Hospital. Authorities describe their conditions as both critical and stable.
The shooting was called “a tragic and devastating day” for the state by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who also offered condolences to the families. He condemned the incident and urged society to address disputes without resorting to weapons.
According to State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris, there was no existing threat to the community. He also noted the magnitude of the loss, saying, “There are simply no words I can offer to assuage the grief that this community has experienced.”
Flags were ordered to half-staff in honour of the fallen officers, while residents gathered with American flags along the roadside to pay tribute as a procession carried the victims to the coroner’s office.
The investigation is ongoing, with support from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.