Three Injured, Suspect Dead After Shooting Spree Along Molly Pitcher Highway in Antrim Township

ANTRIM TOWNSHIP, PA (Franklin County) — A terrifying afternoon of violence shook the quiet community of Antrim Township on October 7, 2025, when a gunman went on a shooting spree along the Molly Pitcher Highway, leaving three people injured before being fatally shot during a confrontation with law enforcement. The chaotic sequence of events forced the temporary shutdown of portions of Interstate 81 as emergency medical helicopters rushed to transport the wounded to nearby trauma centers.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, officers responded around 4:00 p.m. to reports of an active shooter near the intersection of Molly Pitcher Highway (U.S. Route 11) and Antrim Commons Drive, a normally busy commercial stretch lined with restaurants, retail stores, and gas stations. Witnesses described a harrowing scene of panic as gunfire erupted in broad daylight, sending people running for cover and vehicles swerving to escape the danger.

“When we arrived, there were multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds and reports that the shooter had fled the area,” said State Police Trooper Megan Frazer in a late-night press briefing. “A coordinated search began immediately involving local, county, and state law enforcement agencies. The suspect was eventually located after a short pursuit and was pronounced deceased following an exchange of gunfire with officers.”

Authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect pending notification of next of kin but confirmed that the individual was an adult male believed to have acted alone. The motive for the attack remains under investigation, though preliminary evidence suggests the violence may have stemmed from a domestic or personal dispute that spiraled into a public confrontation.

Three victims — two men and one woman — sustained serious injuries in the shooting. All were airlifted to hospitals in Hagerstown, MD, and Chambersburg, PA, where they are currently receiving treatment. Officials say their conditions range from critical to stable.

As news of the incident spread, major portions of Route 11 and I-81 were shut down to allow Life Lion and MedStar helicopters to land safely at the scene. Emergency personnel, including firefighters and EMS units from multiple jurisdictions, responded swiftly to assist the wounded and secure the area.

“This was a fast-moving, extremely dangerous situation,” said Franklin County Sheriff Dane Anthony. “We are deeply grateful for the bravery and professionalism of the responding officers who prevented what could have been an even greater tragedy.”

Residents of Antrim Township, a close-knit rural community near the Maryland border, expressed shock and sorrow over the violence. “You never expect something like this to happen in our small town,” said local resident Cathy Reynolds, who works at a nearby convenience store. “We heard the sirens and helicopters, and then we saw the police everywhere. It’s just heartbreaking.”

Law enforcement agencies, including the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office and the Pennsylvania State Police Troop H, are jointly investigating the incident. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, collecting shell casings, and interviewing witnesses to determine the full timeline of events.

Authorities confirmed that no officers or bystanders were harmed during the final confrontation that ended the rampage. An autopsy for the suspect is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

Community leaders and clergy have begun organizing vigils and counseling sessions for those affected by the tragedy. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” said Pastor Jonathan Keller of the Antrim Brethren Church. “In moments like this, we need to come together in faith and compassion to help one another heal.”

The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency urged the public to remain patient as sections of the roadway may remain closed for further investigation and cleanup.

As the town of Antrim tries to come to terms with the violence, residents are left grappling with a mix of grief and gratitude — mourning the senseless attack while thankful that swift police action prevented further loss of life.