The deceased suspect allegedly responsible for the shootout that led to the deaths of three police officers Wednesday in rural York County, Pennsylvania, has reportedly been identified as Matthew James Ruth.
An anonymous law enforcement official said authorities identified 24-year-old Ruth as the shooter following a domestic-related investigation relating to a domestic issue that kicked off Tuesday, local ABC-affiliate WGAL 8 reported. Two state law enforcement officials confirmed to CNN that Ruth was the suspect. (RELATED: Transgender Boyfriend Of Charlie Kirk Shooter Reportedly Has Ties To Demonic Trend)
Northern York County Regional Police and Sheriff’s Office officers approached the house of Ruth’s ex-girlfriend with a warrant issued for his arrest, officials told CNN. On Tuesday, a man — suspected to be Ruth — was observed outside the residence where the woman lived alongside her mother, according to an affidavit obtained by WGAL 8. The mother allegedly revealed a photo showing the man to law enforcement.
Police observed “an AR-15 rifle slung across his chest” in the image, the affidavit read. Officers unsuccessfully searched for the suspect for several hours Tuesday.
However, the gunman was allegedly lying in a nearby cornfield dressed in camouflage and opened fire upon the officers’ arrival around 2 p.m. Wednesday, according to CNN.
The gunman killed three officers and left two others in critical condition before being shot by a wounded officer, law enforcement officials said.
Local David Miller told CNN that he “saw a body on the road.”
“It seemed like a war zone, sounded like a war zone,” he said. A neighbor said they heard at least 30 shots fired.
Even through their grief, each family I met with in York today told me how proud they are of their loved ones who put on the uniform and run toward danger to keep us safe.
They rallied for officers being treated by amazing medical staff — and together we shared our devastation… pic.twitter.com/CGoYgDSQVE
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) September 18, 2025
Court records show Ruth was facing charges of stalking, criminal trespass and loitering and prowling at night.
Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher L. Paris said Wednesday at a press briefing that details regarding the shooter were not being released because the investigation remained active.
Paris said the two injured officers are in critical condition but remain stable.
“These officers represent the very best of us. They put their lives on the line to serve their community, their Commonwealth and their country,” Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement. “The prayers of 13 million Pennsylvanians are with the victims, their families and the good people of York County on this devastating day — and all those who put on the uniform to keep our Commonwealth safe.”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said federal officials were on the scene, adding that “[v]iolence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable.”
Members of the community have already begun to gather to mourn one of the deadliest days in Pennsylvania police history, according to WGAL 8.