BURNSVILLE, Minn. (AP) — A man armed with multiple guns and a large amount of ammunition opened fire on police officers Sunday inside a suburban Minneapolis home filled with children, killing two officers and a police officer. One firefighter who was providing medical assistance to the victim died. Officials revealed the number of injured.
A third police officer was injured in a shooting in a tree-lined neighborhood of two-story homes in Burnsville, Minnesota. The suspect in the shooting also died, officials said.
Inspector Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Enforcement said there was an exchange of gunfire and that authorities were still piecing together details of what he described as a “terrible day.”
The firefighter, who also works as a paramedic, was shot while helping an injured police officer, Evans said. He told reporters the paramedics were part of a SWAT team called to the home emergency.
Evans said an armed man had barricaded himself inside with his family, including seven children between the ages of 2 and 15.
Negotiations continued for several hours before the suspect opened fire, he said. He did not give an exact time, but the Minnesota State Police Peace Officers Association said the standoff lasted four hours before SWAT teams entered the home.
Evans said the suspect had several guns and a large amount of ammunition and fired at officers from multiple locations in the home, including the upper and lower floors. Evans said at least one police officer was shot inside the home.
“We still don't know exactly how the gunfire was exchanged,” Evans said. “Certainly some officers fired back.”
He said the suspect was found dead around 8 a.m. and his family and children were released from the home. There were no injuries.
City officials identified the slain officers as Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27 years old. Adam Finseth, 40, who had been a firefighter and EMT for the city since 2019, was also killed.
Elmstrand, a member of the department's mobile command staff, joined the department in 2017. Ruge was hired in 2020 and was a member of the department's crisis negotiation team as a physical evidence officer.
Another police officer, Sgt. The city said Adam Medlicott suffered injuries that do not appear to be life-threatening, but he is being treated at a hospital.
Police saluted the body as it left the hospital, then the body was taken by convoy to the medical examiner's office. Medical staff watched on in scrubs.
“We are hurting,” Police Chief Tanya Schwartz said. “Today, three of his members on our team made the ultimate sacrifice for this community. They are heroes.”
About an hour before sunrise, neighbors were woken up by a loud popping sound.
Alicia McCallum said she and her family fell to the floor, unsure if the sound was a gunshot. When she and her husband looked out of their sunroom, they saw police cars and a line of officers.
“At first I didn't think it was a gunshot, but then I opened the window and saw police everywhere, hiding in my neighbor's yard,” he said, two houses away from the source of the commotion. said McCallum, who lives nearby.
“Then there were three more gunshots,” she said. “It was like fireworks going off.” That's when she, her husband and their two children ran for safety in the bathroom and fell to the floor. they prayed.
Ms McCallum said she was relieved to see the woman and children escorted from the home. “I am so grateful to the police officer who risked his life to save these children, and my heart goes out to that mother,” McCallum said.
Fire Chief B.J. Jungmann said members of the community are grieving and have asked for privacy for the family. Relatives of the police officers and firefighters did not immediately respond to phone messages seeking comment from The Associated Press.
Evans said the medical examiner will identify the suspect and an autopsy is scheduled for Monday. There was no evidence that the house had caused trouble in the past.
“We never received any calls for service,” Evans said.
As the investigation progressed, the neighborhood was surrounded by police cars to keep reporters and the public away. The police armored vehicle had bullet damage to its windshield, and Evans confirmed it had been damaged in the gunfight.
police scanner recording broadcastify.com A man was seen shaking as he struggled to catch his breath and said, “I need an ambulance.” Someone was then heard talking about three people being loaded into an ambulance and saying the word “critically ill.”
A police officer walks down the street after two police officers and a first responder were shot and killed in Burnsville, Minn., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Abby Parr)
As the news spread, other law enforcement agencies quickly began posting messages of condolence on social media, including images of badges with blue bars. It is a sign of unity in mourning.
“At times like these, it is imperative that communities come together and support each other in times of fear and grief,” said Marty Kelly, sheriff of neighboring Goodhue County.
Flags were also lowered to half-staff, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz asked those who passed by to take a moment to think about the first responders who lost their lives.
“Minnesota grieves with you,” he said. “The state stands ready to assist in every possible way.”
Hundreds of people gathered in front of Burnsville City Hall Sunday night for a candlelit vigil in memory of the victims. Several uniformed personnel from other departments were in attendance, including many from St. Paul.
A fire truck and police car were parked in front of the building. A bouquet of flowers adorned the hood of the police car and handwritten signs tucked under the windshield wipers, one of which read, “We are praying for you.” Those gathered prayed and sang “Amazing Grace.”
“This is a time to grieve and come together to grieve the loss of our community and support the families,” said Rep. Angie Craig.
“I can't imagine the pain you're going through,” Craig continued. “But what I can say is, to all the police officers and emergency personnel and firefighters out there, we appreciate your efforts.” The crowd applauded.
“This is an important community,” said Chris Martin, a local resident. “We are extremely saddened by this incident.”
Burnsville is a city of approximately 64,000 people located approximately 15 miles (24 km) south of downtown Minneapolis.
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Associated Press writers Rob Jagodzinski and Bobby Kaina Calvin in New York City, Maysoon Khan in Albany, New York, and Jesse Bidain in Denver contributed to this report.
