HARRISBURG, Pa. — Authorities are asking the public for any information they may have on Ahmed Amin El-Mofty to come forward.
El-Mofty opened fire in Harrisburg on Friday evening in three separate shootings, before being killed in a shoot out with State Police.
One state Trooper was injured, but she is expected to be okay.
Governor Wolf released in a statement today:
Previously Reported:
Police have killed the suspect in a series of three shootings that occurred throughout downtown Harrisburg and Allison Hill on Friday afternoon.
Police identified the suspect late Friday as 51-year-old Ahmed Amin El-Mofty. According to Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico, El-Mofty had ties to Harrisburg and Cumberland County and recently took a trip to the Middle East.
Around 4 p.m. on Friday, in the area of 3rd and State Streets, multiple shots were fired at an occupied Capitol Police car. The window of the car was broken, and the officer inside was not harmed.
About twenty minutes later, El-Mofty opened fire on a Pennsylvania State Police vehicle. A female trooper was wounded, but is expected to be okay, according to Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico.
Around 6 p.m. Friday evening, police found El-Mofty near 17th and Mulberry on Allison Hill. After an exchange of gunfire between the police and the suspect, the suspect was killed.
The Bomb Disposal Squad was then called in, because there was a suspicious object found near the suspect, which was determined to be inert and later removed.
These shootings are being handled as a joint investigation between the FBI, PSP, the Dauphin County DA’s office, and Harrisburg Police.
The motive is still under investigation.
Governor Wolf has released the following statements regarding the shootings;
“I am grateful for the swift reaction to this incident by Capitol Police, Pennsylvania State Police and City of Harrisburg Police. Our officers were directly in harm’s way but they did not hesitate and protected others from harm. This is another reminder of the sacrifice made everyday by law enforcement across Pennsylvania, especially for those of us who spend time in our State Capitol. On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, Frances and I thank the fine men and women of these departments.”
“Federal, state, and local law enforcement continue to work together to investigate last night’s attack on law enforcement. I have been in contact with the Director of Homeland Security, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Capitol Police. The commonwealth will continue to provide any assistance necessary in this investigation. I again want to thank officers who put themselves in harm’s way to prevent further injury or loss of life.”
Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse has also commented, commending the police for their exceptional bravery;
“The incident is still being investigated, but it’s clear that Harrisburg police responded with exceptional bravery and capability to protect our city. The police officers involved, as well as their leadership are to be commended. The situation could have been far worse, and we could have suffered far more injuries had they not acted as courageously and as professionally as they did.”
Congressman Lou Barletta released a statement on Friday’s shootings;
“The heroic actions of Pennsylvania’s law enforcement averted a sure tragedy. I am very proud the swift and effective response from those on the ground who neutralized the suspect before any lives were taken. This demonstrates the immense bravery of Pennsylvania law enforcement. They protect our schools and neighborhoods, keeping all our families safe, while risking their own lives every day. In the face of violence and destruction, we must always back the blue. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I will continue to monitor the situation for potential links to terrorism. Mary Grace and I will continue to pray for the speedy recovery of the officer who was injured, and for the continued safety for Pennsylvania’s law enforcement.”
