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 police at the scene.
The incident occurred just after 14:00 local time (18:00 GMT), with images emerging from the location showing one officer being airlifted via a medical helicopter.
The shooting forced a nearby school district in Spring Grove, a small town of about 2,500 people, to briefly implement a shelter-in-place order. The school later confirmed it had not been directly affected.
Authorities have assured that there is no current threat to the community.
The tragic event took place in a rural area of York County in North Codorus Township, situated about 100 miles (160km) west of Philadelphia, as officers were executing a follow-up from the previous day's investigation.
Commissioner Paris mentioned that details remain sparse while the investigation continues.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro visited the area on Wednesday afternoon, meeting with the families of the slain officers. We grieve for the loss of life of three precious souls who served this county, served this commonwealth, served this country, he expressed.
He also emphasized that such violence is unacceptable, urging the need for societal improvement.
In honor of the fallen officers, Shapiro has ordered all state flags to be lowered to half-mast on public buildings across Pennsylvania.
The FBI has also deployed agents to assist with the investigation, with Director Kash Patel conveying support for the officers, their families, and the entire York County community.
