YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) -- After a deadly shooting claimed the lives of three police officers and left two others critically injured, Gov. Josh Shapiro held a public press conference from WellSpan Hospital, where he stated, "We need to do better as a society."
READ MORE | Three people dead, two injured in Pennsylvania officer-involved shooting: officials
The York County Coroner confirmed that the office was called to the scene of an officer-involved shooting on the 1800 block of Haar Road that took place around 2:10 p.m.
Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Paris later stated that five officers were shot during the incident and that three of those officers died. Two other officers were hospitalized and are reportedly in critical condition.
Gov. Shapiro then followed Paris, saying, "This is a absolutely tragic and devastating day for York County and for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."
This kind of violence isn't okay. We need to do better as a society. We need to help the people that 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. We need to do better when it comes to looking out for those in need so we don't have to deal with tragedies like this.
Gov. Shapiro continued his remarks, stating the importance of community in the wake of a tragedy.
This isn't about me or my emotions. I think this is just about a grieving community. I wanted to be here with this community; I want law enforcement to know how much we care about them and respect them. I want this hospital team to know how much they matter in this community. And most importantly, I want these families to know that we're all grieving with them and praying with them, and that they're not alone.
The City of York released the following statement regarding the fatal officer-involved shooting:
The people of the City of York send our respect and condolences to the families of our fallen and wounded Northern Regional Police Officers and York County Sheriffs and to their agencies. York City Police have been assisting in the tragic situation and the City of York offers any assistance we can provide to our fellow agencies and the families.
Gov. Shapiro later took to social media to share his condolences for the fallen officers.
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.
Pennsylvania State Police will continue to investigate.