A mass shooting on Thursday at a manufacturing facility north of Smithsburg, Maryland, left at least three people killed and three others injured - including the suspected gunman and a police trooper - local authorities confirmed.

According to Sergeant Carly Hose, the male suspect fled the scene before the Washington County Sheriff's office arrived at the shooting location.

Hose said that a Maryland State Police trooper encountered the suspect and they exchanged gunfire, adding that both were injured and taken to a hospital.

🚨#BREAKING: Active shooter in Smithsburg, Maryland

📌#Smithsburg l #Maryland

Right now multiple authorities are responding to a Active shooting With Multiple Victims Injured and several people dead At A Business in Smithsburg, Maryland With multiple reports of guns shots pic.twitter.com/oeO7GG180o

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) June 9, 2022

At a Thursday night press conference, Lt. Col. Bill Dofflemyer, chief of the State Police Criminal Investigation Bureau, mentioned that "The trooper is doing well and the suspect is continuing to be treated."

Washington County Sheriff Doug Mullendore said the identified victims were all employees at the facility.

Mullendore indicated that the suspect was identified as a 23-year-old man from West Virginia who also worked at the facility, adding that a motive for the shooting has not been determined.

The Sheriff provided no other details about the suspect because charges have not yet been filed, but noted that the suspect used a semi-automatic handgun during the shooting.

Commenting on the incident, Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin said, "This cannot keep happening."

Horrible tragedy in #Smithsburg. My thoughts are with all of the families of the victims today. This cannot keep happening.

Thankful to the local law enforcement, Maryland State Police, FBI, ATF and any others who are working to determine the details. https://t.co/S4PSGolN0A

— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) June 9, 2022

Similarly, Senator Chris Van Hollen considered in a statement. "Today’s horrific shooting comes as our state and nation have witnessed tragedy after tragedy, and it's got to stop."

I’m devastated by the lives taken today in Smithsburg and for the pain their loved ones are experiencing. Today’s horrific shooting comes as our state and nation have witnessed tragedy after tragedy. We must take action now to stop the killing. pic.twitter.com/mNpschWWQc

— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) June 9, 2022

"We must act to address the mass shootings and the daily toll of gun violence in our communities," he added.

It is noteworthy that in recent weeks, the United States has been rocked by a succession of high-profile mass shootings. The incidents have collectively left dozens dead, the deadliest of which was the Robb Elementary School massacre in Uvalde, Texas, which saw an 18-year-old boy claiming the lives of at least 21 people.