Lori Wasko, 57, Fatally Shot in Thompson Township Amid Shooting Spree That Injured Two State Troopers

Lori Wasko, 57, Fatally Shot in Thompson Township Amid Shooting Spree That Injured Two State Troopers

THOMPSON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A quiet northeastern Pennsylvania community was left stunned and grieving after a violent shooting spree unfolded along Route 171 near Thompson Township, claiming the life of 57-year-old Lori Wasko and injuring two Pennsylvania State Troopers. The tragic chain of events has prompted a widespread law enforcement response, ongoing investigations, and growing concern among local residents.

According to authorities, the deadly violence began late Friday afternoon when Lori Wasko was fatally shot outside her home, located in a rural area just off Route 171. Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots before law enforcement was called to the scene. First responders arrived quickly but were unable to save Wasko, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Wasko, a longtime resident of the area, was known for her warmth, compassion, and close-knit ties to her family and neighbors. News of her death has devastated the small community, where such acts of violence are exceedingly rare.

“Lori was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back,” said a neighbor. “She didn’t deserve this. None of us feel safe right now.”

As the situation unfolded, it escalated further. In a disturbing continuation of the violence, two Pennsylvania State Troopers who responded to the shooting came under fire themselves. One trooper was shot during a confrontation with the suspected gunman, while the second was wounded while attempting to render aid. Both troopers were transported to nearby medical centers, where they are receiving treatment. Their conditions have been described as serious but stable.

Law enforcement agencies from across the region—including state police, local sheriff’s deputies, and tactical units—flooded the area in response to what was quickly labeled a multi-scene active shooter situation. The exact sequence of events is still under investigation, but police confirmed late Friday evening that a suspect is in custody and is being held pending formal charges.

The identity of the suspect has not yet been released, and officials have not commented on a possible motive for the shooting spree. Investigators have cordoned off several locations along Route 171 and nearby wooded areas as they search for evidence and interview witnesses. Residents have been advised to remain alert, and traffic through the area has been heavily restricted.

“This is a tragic and senseless act of violence that has deeply affected our entire community,” said a Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson during a press briefing. “We are doing everything in our power to support the victims, their families, and our officers who bravely responded.”

The community has responded with an outpouring of support, holding a vigil in Lori Wasko’s memory near the local township building. Friends, family, and neighbors lit candles and shared memories of a woman they say embodied the best of small-town values—kindness, humility, and generosity.

Wasko is survived by her children and grandchildren, who are said to be devastated by the sudden and violent loss of a mother and grandmother who meant everything to them.

Local officials, including the Susquehanna County District Attorney’s Office, are working alongside state police to prepare formal charges against the alleged shooter. Investigators have urged anyone with video footage or firsthand accounts of the incident to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at (570) 465-3154.

As the investigation continues, grief counselors and victim support teams have been made available to both the Wasko family and the law enforcement community shaken by the assault on its officers.

This tragic event has left an indelible mark on Thompson Township, a community now grappling with both heartbreak and fear. As the investigation unfolds and the judicial process begins, residents are coming together in solidarity—to mourn, to support one another, and to remember the life of Lori Wasko, a woman whose legacy will not be forgotten.