On a somber Wednesday afternoon in North Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania, tragedy struck when three law enforcement officers were shot and killed, and two others were critically wounded during a domestic-related investigation. The incident, which unfolded on September 17, 2025, has been described as the deadliest single day for Pennsylvania law enforcement in over a decade and a half, sending shockwaves through the local community and far beyond.
According to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, the officers were responding to a domestic-related incident that had occurred the previous day. The situation escalated shortly after 2 p.m. ET in the area of Haar and Emig roads, a rural stretch known for its rolling farmland and quiet, close-knit neighborhoods. Officials reported that four of the officers were with the Northern York Regional Police Department, while the fifth was a York County sheriff's deputy.
State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris addressed the public in a press conference, confirming the details of the harrowing event. "Our hearts and prayers go out to them, to the families of the deceased and the families of those officers who were wounded," Paris stated. "There are simply no words that I can offer to assuage the grief that this community has experienced, and unfortunately will continue to experience." Paris further assured residents that, as of 6:15 p.m. that evening, there was no ongoing threat to the public.
The officers had reportedly returned to the scene to follow up on their investigation, and were attempting to serve a warrant when the suspect suddenly opened fire. The ensuing gunfight left three officers dead and two others in critical but stable condition at WellSpan York Hospital. The suspect was shot and killed by police at the scene, according to multiple outlets including Reuters and NBC Philadelphia.
Governor Josh Shapiro, who had just addressed the Eradicate Hate Global Summit in Pittsburgh the night before, traveled to York County upon hearing the news. At a press conference, an emotional Shapiro remarked, "This kind of violence isn’t ok. We need to do better as a society. We need to help the people who think that picking up a gun, picking up a weapon, is the answer to resolving disputes. We need to do better when it comes to mental health." He later visited the hospital to pay respects to the fallen officers and their families, calling the day "an absolutely tragic and devastating day for York County, for the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania."
The shooting prompted an immediate and massive law enforcement response. Roads around the scene were blocked off by about 30 police vehicles, and a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area and a local school district as a precaution. The order was lifted later in the afternoon, with officials confirming that neither schools nor students were directly involved in the incident. The medical response was swift, with injured officers airlifted to WellSpan York Hospital, which implemented enhanced security protocols in the wake of the attack.
Federal agencies quickly became involved. The FBI Philadelphia office, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, joined the Pennsylvania State Police in the ongoing investigation. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, in a show of federal support, contacted Governor Shapiro and later posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Violence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable. Pray for the officers involved." She confirmed that federal agents were on the scene to assist local authorities.
Attorney General Dave Sunday, who previously served as York County District Attorney, expressed his shock and sorrow on social media: "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. Having served alongside these officers, I know of their caliber, their professionalism and the lasting impact they had on our community. This loss is a heart-wrenching reminder of the sacrifices police officers and other first responders make every single day."
The Guardian reported that the shooting scene was a rural road bordered by barns, a goat farm, and fields of soybean and corn. Residents of the area, such as Phoebe Luckenbaugh, described the affected family as "a nice normal country family," though she emphasized she had no direct knowledge of what transpired. Property records indicated that the farmhouse had been owned by Craig Zumbrum, who passed away in 2023, leaving behind his widow and four children.
Local officials, including the York County Commissioners, issued statements expressing their condolences and urging residents to follow law enforcement instructions. The Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia also issued a precautionary alert to Mexican residents in the area, advising them to monitor official updates closely.
This tragedy marks the second time in 2025 that a law enforcement officer has been killed in York County. In February, West York Patrolman Andrew Duarte lost his life during a hostage situation at UPMC Memorial Hospital. The Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police noted that not since April 4, 2009, when three officers were killed and two wounded in Pittsburgh, had the state witnessed such a deadly day for its law enforcement community.
In the aftermath, Governor Shapiro ordered flags across the commonwealth to be flown at half-staff until the officers are interred—a date yet to be determined. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania State Police have assumed responsibility for calls in the Northern York County Regional Police Department’s jurisdiction, ensuring continued coverage as the investigation proceeds.
The investigation itself is sprawling, with state police confirming it spans multiple locations throughout York County and is expected to continue into the night and early morning hours. Updates were promised for Thursday, as authorities piece together the events that led to this devastating loss.
The shockwaves from this event will undoubtedly linger. As State Police Commissioner Paris put it, "All of the resources of the Pennsylvania state police are being brought to bear." The full support of federal partners has been pledged, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the commitment to uncovering the truth behind the tragedy.
While the community mourns, the courage and sacrifice of the fallen officers—and the resilience of those who continue to serve—remind everyone of the risks law enforcement faces every day. The memory of this day will not soon fade from York County or the state of Pennsylvania.
