Harrisburg Police Shooting: Slain U.S. Marshal Identified

HARRISBURG, PA — A Deputy U.S. Marshal was killed and at least two other officers were struck Thursday morning while serving an arrest warrant in Harrisburg, officials said.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse said in a statement that a total of three officers were shot. At an afternoon press conference, officials clarified that one of the officers was struck by a projectile but wasn't wounded. Officers returned fire on the gunman who was killed at the scene though it is unclear who fired the fatal shot, officials said.

"Harrisburg mourns the loss this morning of a U.S. Marshall who died protecting our residents," Papenfuse said. "While serving a warrant as part of the U.S. Marshall’s task force, three officers were shot, including a Harrisburg police officer, who was wounded, bravely returned fire and critically injured the gunman."

The slain officer was identified as 45-year-old Deputy U.S. Marshal Christopher David Hill. An Army veteran, Hill had been in the service for 11 years and was assigned to the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Marshals Service said. He leaves behind a wife and two children. Hill was immediately transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries.

In a press release, York Police said one of the officers injured in the shooting was employed by their department and assigned to the U.S. Marshals Task Force. Police said the officer's injuries are reported to be non-life threatening. Officials said that officer was identified as Kyle Pitts and he is currently undergoing surgery.

According to the U.S. Marshals Service, the officers were serving a warrant on a woman who was wanted for terroristic threat offenses. While serving the warrant, a man in the home allegedly fired on the task force. The female suspect was taken into custody.

An investigation is underway.

"Frances and I saddened to hear this tragic news," Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf tweeted. "Praying for the officers involved and their families. I am in constant contact with law enforcement, and grateful for their swift action."

"No words can adequately express the sadness we feel at this moment as we contemplate the loss of yet another law enforcement officer in the line of duty," Papenfuse said. "I extend my sincerest condolences to the family of the slain U.S. Marshall, to his colleagues and to all law enforcement officers who risk their lives each day to protect and to serve our city and our nation.”

In December, a gunman who officials say targeted officers shot and injured a cop before being shot and killed by police in Harrisburg. The gunman was identified as Ahmed Aminamin El-Mofty. Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico said at the time that the gunman fired at a Harrisburg police officer and later at a state trooper, wounding and then pursuing her.

Patch will update this breaking news report.

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