Five Officers Shot, Three Killed while Serving a Warrant in Pennsylvania

Milton Quintanilla

Audio By Carbonatix

By Milton Quintanilla, Crosswalk.com

A shooting in York County, Pennsylvania, left three officers dead and two wounded, authorities said. According to Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris, the shooting took place as officers were following up on a "domestic-related" investigation that started Tuesday, Fox News reported.

The killer, identified as 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, was shot and killed by law enforcement, The Associated Press reported.

"This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day for your county and for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said during a news conference on Wednesday. "[We] grieve for the loss of life of the three precious souls who served this county, served this commonwealth, and served this country. We continue to pray for the full recovery of those who are dealing with their wounds."

This afternoon, three law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in York County. Two more officers were shot and are currently in critical but stable condition, receiving treatment at WellSpan York Hospital, where I visited with their families today.

These officers…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) September 17, 2025

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Pennsylvania State Police have extended assistance to local authorities.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the violence against police, "a scourge on our society," in a post on X.

The @FBI and @ATFHQ are on the scene supporting local law enforcement following the shooting of multiple police officers in York County, Pennsylvania.

Violence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable. Pray for the officers involved.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) September 17, 2025

FBI Director Kash Patel said that agents are on the ground, providing assistance to our local and state partners after today's tragic shooting.

"Our prayers are with the officers, their families, and the entire York County community," he added.

The FBI is on the ground in York County, PA, providing assistance to our local and state partners after today’s tragic shooting.

Our prayers are with the officers, their families, and the entire York County community.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 17, 2025

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis also echoed similar sentiments regarding the incident.

"Blayre and I, and our entire family, are praying for the officers who were killed and the two who remain in critical but stable condition tonight. Pennsylvania once again grieves for our officers who ran toward danger to protect the community. We stand with you, tonight and always," Davis said.

This is not just a devastating day for York County, it is a devastating day for our entire Commonwealth. Today, families lost their loved ones as three police officers were killed in the line of duty, serving their community bravely.

Blayre and I, and our entire family, are…

— Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis (@LGAustinDavis) September 17, 2025

Wednesday's shooting comes months after another York County officer was killed in the line of duty in February following a shootout between the officer and a man who was armed with a pistol and took staff members hostage after entering a hospital's intensive care unit.

We need to do better. pic.twitter.com/jpUfcOUGoC
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) September 18, 2025

Prayer for York County, PA

Dear God,

Our hearts are very heavy today. We pray for the families of the three brave officers who lost their lives. Please wrap them in Your love and give them comfort when the pain feels too big.

We also pray for the two officers who are hurt. Please heal their bodies and give them strength to keep fighting. Bring peace to their hearts and to their families who are scared right now.

Lord, we ask You to hold the whole York County community close. Help neighbors be kind, friends be strong, and families trust You when they feel afraid.

Thank You for the officers who protect us every day. Please bless them and keep them safe.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.