Gunman Who Killed Three Pennsylvania Officers Identified as 24-Year-Old Matthew James Ruth
Authorities have identified the man responsible for one of the deadliest attacks on Pennsylvania law enforcement in recent memory as 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the case. The official, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation, confirmed Ruth’s role in the fatal shooting that claimed the lives of three officers and left two others injured before he was killed by police gunfire.
The violence erupted Wednesday afternoon in North Codorus Township, a rural community roughly 115 miles west of Philadelphia near the Maryland border. Police were following up on a domestic-related investigation that began the day before when Ruth allegedly opened fire, setting off a massive emergency response.
A Deadly Day for Pennsylvania Law Enforcement
Authorities described the scene as chaotic, with 30 police vehicles flooding the area, blocking off country roads lined with barns, farmland, and homesteads. Witnesses reported hearing bursts of gunfire. Dirk Anderson, who lives across the street from where the shooting unfolded, recalled hearing “quite a few shots” before spotting helicopters circling overhead and a heavy police presence rushing to the area.
Two of the responding officers were critically injured but are currently in stable condition at York Hospital. Officials have not released the names of the fallen or wounded officers, nor have they disclosed which departments they served, citing the active investigation.
Gov. Josh Shapiro called the incident a “tragic loss of life” during a news conference, praising the bravery of law enforcement while condemning the violence. “Family members of those killed are grieving but proud of their loved ones,” Shapiro said. Attorney General Pamela Bondi echoed the sentiment, labeling the attacks “a scourge on our society.”
Community in Mourning
Hours after the shooting, residents lined the streets in solemn tribute, waving American flags and saluting as police and emergency vehicles formed a procession escorting the fallen to the coroner’s office. Flowers have been placed outside the Northern York Regional Police Department, where mourners continue to gather to honor the officers.
The deadly exchange recalls other dark days for Pennsylvania police. In 2009, three Pittsburgh officers were ambushed and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance by a heavily armed man wearing a bulletproof vest. Law enforcement officials noted that Wednesday’s tragedy marks one of the deadliest days for police in the state since that incident.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not detailed how the officers were shot or what prompted Ruth’s attack, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement agencies across the region have expressed condolences through social media and pledged support for the families of the fallen and injured.
As the investigation continues, the community remains shaken. “This is something we never expected to see here,” Anderson said, reflecting on the violence that erupted so close to home.
Despite the grief, officials highlighted the resilience of Pennsylvania’s law enforcement community and the outpouring of public support. “These officers gave their lives protecting others,” Shapiro said. “Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
