This is a developing story.
A woman was killed and two Pennsylvania state troopers were ambushed and shot Thursday morning in Susquehanna County. The shooting happened near the town of Thompson.
Officials say the gunman, Carmine Faino, 61, shot and killed neighbor Lori Wasko, 57, in front of her home. He then opened fire on state troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins III, who responded to the scene shortly before 11:30a.m.
State police Commander Colonel Christopher Paris said Faino shot several dozen rounds of rifle fire at the troopers “from a position of tactical superiority.”
“Trooper Perechinsky was shot twice in the chest/torso area. Trooper Jenkins was shot twice as well, once once in each arm,” Paris said. “Despite being very severely wounded, Trooper Perechinsky was able to tourniquet both arms of Trooper Jenkins.”
Perechinsky and Jenkins were airlifted to local hospitals and are both currently in stable condition. Paris said “we’re extremely lucky to have them still with us.”
“I am very thankful tonight that we are not planning a double line-of-duty-death funeral,” Paris said.
Paris said Faino also shot at an EMT who responded to the scene. He sustained injuries after crashing his vehicle while under fire.
After a standoff, Faino was shot and killed by police. Paris did not provide information regarding a possible motive and the case is still under investigation.
“We're still in the process of fully clearing that area—any evidence of relevance to today's incident, but also if he had any additional explosive devices,” Paris.
A joint investigation with the Susquehanna County District Attorney's office is ongoing to determine the use of force in the incident.
I just left Trooper Joe Perechinsky and Trooper Billy Jenkins who are in stable condition. They represent the absolute best of the Pennsylvania State Police. This morning, they went towards danger to keep our neighbors safe — and they saved lives by doing so. We owe them an…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) August 7, 2025
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapirosaid in a statement on social media he visited both state troopers Thursday and confirmed they are in stable condition.
“They represent the absolute best of the Pennsylvania State Police. This morning, they went towards danger to keep our neighbors safe — and they saved lives by doing so. We owe them an immense debt of gratitude,” Shapiro wrote.
“I am also grateful to the brave first responders, including Jay Larson — an EMS worker who was injured on the job as he was trying to help others at the scene.”