Eric Matthew Frein: Manhunt Underway For Pennsylvania State Trooper Shooting Suspect

Eric Matthew Frein was identified Tuesday as the anti-cop survivalist accused in last week’s slaying of two Pennsylvania State Police officers in their barracks.

An arrest warrant was issued for the 31-year-old Frein, of Canadensis, Pennsylvania. He is charged with first-degree murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer and other offenses.

The shooting took place on Friday, with Frein reportedly opening fire with a.308-caliber rifle at the state police’s Blooming Grove Barracks. The shooting killed 38-year-old Cpl. Bryon Dickson and injured Trooper Alex Douglas. Commissioner Frank Noonan made a statement about Frein.

“He is at large and he is considered armed and extremely dangerous. He has been described as a survivalist…He has made statements about wanting to kill law enforcement officers and also about wanting to commit mass acts of murder.”

Eric Matthew Frein was identified as the Pennsylvania State Police shooting suspect after a man walking his dog spotted a Jeep Cherokee submerged in a swampy area. Inside police found Frein’s ID, along with shell casings and other military gear.

A search of his home turned up additional military gear, police noted, including an AK-47 and a.308-caliber rifle with a scope.

Investigators said Frein is experienced in the military re-enactment community and is a survivalist. Commissioner Noonan also noted some of Frein’s history.

“He’s expressed anti-government leanings in the past, especially toward law enforcement, and he has survivalist training.”

Those who knew Eric Matthew Frein said he harbored strong anti-government views but showed no signs of being capable of ambushing police officers.

Jeremiah Hornbacker, who worked with Frein on a number of jobs, felt that Frein held strong views but not murderous ones.

“Definitely, he could be very critical of the government. He voiced his opinions, had strong feelings — but nothing like, ‘I’m going to go out and kill people and commit mass murder.'”

Police said they consider Pennsylvania State Trooper shooting suspect Eric Matthew Frein to be armed and dangerous.

[Image provided by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation]