Three officers killed in York shooting; suspect identified

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(The Center Square) - The man killed during a shoot out in North Cordorus Township, York County that left three officers dead and two hospitalized has been identified. 

According to multiple media reports, 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth died during the firefight on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred while officers were serving a court order. 

“This is an absolutely tragic and devastating day for York County and for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro, who spoke from Wellspan Hospital in York after visiting with the families of the slain and injured officers.

“This kind of violence isn’t okay,” said Shapiro. “We need to do better.

Officer Andrew Duarte was shot and killed while responding to an active shooter call at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York in February. For Pennsylvania State Police, this is the second shooting in as many months.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also reported on the scene. Shapiro stated that Attorney General Pam Bondi had reached out with her full support.

Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-Jacobus wrote on X, “I am heartbroken by the news of today’s events in North Cordorus Township. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and the first responders on the scene. This remains an evolving situation.”

Shapiro, who spoke on the topic of violence at a summit in Pittsburgh Tuesday and a press conference in York Wednesday, called on people to join him in prayer. The governor called for flags across the state to be flown at half-staff in honor of the dead.