Law enforcement stands on the road after two police officers and an emergency worker were shot and killed in Burnsville, Minnesota, on February 18th.Abby Parr/Associated Press
A man armed with multiple guns and a large amount of ammunition opened fire on officers from both the upper and lower floors of a suburban Minneapolis home on Sunday, killing two police officers and a firefighter, authorities said.
A third officer was injured in the shooting in Burnsville. The suspect in the shooting also died, officials said.
Superintendent Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Enforcement said there was an exchange of gunfire and authorities are still finalizing details.
Officials said the firefighters and paramedics who died were assisting injured police officers. Evans told a news conference that the paramedics are part of SWAT teams called in for domestic emergencies.
The shooting occurred after officers responded to a call about an armed man barricaded inside with his family, including seven children. Officials said the family was able to leave the home safely.
Details about how the suspect died were not immediately released.
The shooting occurred in a suburban area of Burnsville, Minnesota, where police vehicles surrounded the area and prevented reporters and the general public from approaching the shooting scene.
City officials said in a news release that this began as a national situation report. “Upon arrival, the situation escalated to an exchange of gunfire with responders,” the statement said, adding that the officer and first responder “were killed by the gunman during the response.”
Negotiations with the suspect lasted four hours before SWAT teams entered the home, according to the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association. There were seven children in the house, but the city said the family was able to get out safely.
City officials identified the slain officers as Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27 years old. Firefighter and paramedic Adam Finseth, 40, also died. 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.
The shooting occurred in a tree-lined area lined with two-story houses. A bullet hole was found in the windshield of a police armored vehicle parked nearby, but it has not been confirmed whether this was the result of the incident. Police cars, firefighters and ambulances lined the streets.
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.”
“We must never take for granted the courage and sacrifice that our police officers and first responders make every day,” said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. “My heart is with their families today and the entire state of Minnesota stands with Burnsville.”
Other law enforcement agencies immediately began posting messages of condolence on social media, including images of badges with blue bars. It is a sign of unity in mourning.
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.
The Law Enforcement Labor Department represents rank-and-file officers and supervisors for the Burnsville Police Department. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the responding police officers and first responders,” Jim Mortenson, the group’s executive director, said in a statement.
The state Bureau of Criminal Investigations said in a news release that it has been asked to investigate the shooting. More information will be provided later. This statewide agency provides investigative and other services to assist small law enforcement agencies that lack adequate resources in solving crimes.
In neighboring Goodhue County, Sheriff Marty Kelly wrote that he was closely monitoring the situation as it unfolded.
“At times like these, it is essential that we come together as a community and support each other through uncertainty and grief,” Kelly said.
Democratic Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota said in a statement that she is in contact with mayors, police chiefs and state officials to provide the necessary federal resources.
“Today is another solemn reminder that those who protect our communities do so at great personal risk,” she said.
Burnsville is a city of approximately 64,000 people located approximately 15 miles (24 km) south of downtown Minneapolis.
