Authorities said law enforcement responded to a domestic violence call in Burnsville, Minnesota, where two officers and a paramedic were killed and others were injured. Burnsville Police headed to the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South in the early morning of 18 February after receiving a report of a “domestic situation” involving an armed man who was allegedly trapped with family members — seven children aged two to 15 years old among them, said Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Crime Apprehension, at a press conference on Sunday afternoon.
He said the police were in talks with the suspect for “a considerable amount of time.” The man opened fire on the officers, but Mr Evans said “the exact exchange of gunfire” was unclear. He said the individual, who was not named, had “a number of guns and a lot of ammunition.” The shots originated from the upper and main floors of the house, he said. Police said two officers, Paul Elmstrand, 27, and Matthew Ruge, 27, and a firefighter and paramedic, Adam Finseth, 40, lost their lives. Mr Evans said an officer was shot in the house, but the location of the other shootings was unknown.
Injured and taken to a hospital, Sgt Adam Medlicott is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. “They are heroes,” Police Chief Tanya Schwartz said at the press conference. “We are hurting.”
The suspect, who has not been named, was reported dead hours later — around 8am. Family members were able to exit the home soon after; they were safe. The Medical Examiner’s Office will identify the suspect, Mr Evans said.
Officials confirmed “there is no ongoing threat.”
Mr Evans said it was a “terrible day for the city of Burnsville.” The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the incident.
Minnesota Gov Tim Walz said the incident was “heartbreaking” and applauded the first responders’ “noble work” at the press conference.
The governor wrote earlier on X, “Horrific news from Burnsville. While responding to a call of a family in danger, two police officers and one firefighter lost their lives, and other officers were injured,” he wrote on X. “We must never forget the bravery and sacrifices our police officers and first responders make every day. My heart is with their families today and the entire State of Minnesota stands with Burnsville.
The Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the incident was “deeply shocking and saddening.” He said, “My prayers are with their loved ones, their colleagues and their communities. I stand ready to assist in any criminal prosecution and the pursuit of justice.”
“Please keep Burnsville Police Dept in your prayers this morning,” wrote Minneapolis Police chief Brian O’Hara on X on Sunday.
Coons Rapids Police Department also wrote, “We are shattered this morning as we learn about a horrible tragedy in Burnsville this morning. Details are limited at this time. Please join us as we send our thoughts and prayers to the Burnsville Police Department, their families and their public safety community.”
Minnesota Sen Amy Klobuchar wrote, “Police informed me this morning that three officers have been shot in Burnsville. They were doing their jobs. They were protecting our community. John and I are praying for them and their families and the Burnsville P.D. this morning.