Aiexpress – Two police officers and a paramedic were fatally shot in Burnsville, Minnesota on Sunday morning, according to authorities. The individual responsible for the shootings has also died.
Superintendent Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reported that Burnsville police officers received a call at approximately 1:50 a.m. regarding a residence located on 33rd Avenue South and East 126th Street, situated just west of the Interstate 35E – Highway 77 interchange.
Inside the premises, there were reports of an armed suspect, and the situation was further complicated by the presence of seven young children, aged between 2 and 15, who were barricaded alongside other individuals.
According to Evans, the law enforcement team invested a significant amount of time in negotiating with the individual. Paramedics were called in for assistance at approximately 5 a.m. However, the situation quickly escalated when the suspect began firing shots, prompting dispatch to issue an order for everyone to stay back.
Burnsville city officials have identified the victims as officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, along with firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth. Fortunately, Sgt. Adam Medlicott with BPD was also shot but is expected to survive the incident.
The suspect, who has not been named, was pronounced dead around 8 a.m., and the family members who were in the house got out safely soon after.
According to Evans, the investigation is currently unclear about the timing and exchange of gunfire details.
According to Evans, “Several officers returned fire in response to the individual who had multiple guns and a significant amount of ammunition.”
The fallen first responders
According to city officials, Officer Elmstrand became a member of the Burnsville Police Department in 2017 and was later promoted in 2019.
Ruge, who is also 27 years old, became a member of the force in the year 2020.
Finseth, 40, joined the city’s fire department in 2019, serving as a firefighter and SWAT paramedic. Prior to his current role, he gained valuable experience working with the fire departments in Savage and Hastings, according to Fire Chief B.J. Jungmann.
Medlicott has been a dedicated member of the BPD team for a remarkable period of nine years and five months.
Police Chief Tanya Schwartz expresses the distress within her department, stating that they are currently facing significant challenges.
“Today, our community mourns the loss of three brave individuals from our team who made the ultimate sacrifice. They are true heroes,” Schwartz expressed with profound sadness. “Each day, we hold our breath and hope that they return safely to their loved ones. Unfortunately, today, that hope has been shattered. Our hearts ache, and we understand the need to come together during this difficult time. Our families also require the space and support to grieve their immense loss.”
According to Jungmann, Sunday was the most challenging day the city has ever faced.
Jungmann expressed his sorrow and stated that it was a tragic day. He emphasized that everyone is grieving and trying to comprehend the events that took place and the reasons behind them.
Neighbors describe the scene
At approximately 2 a.m., Jason Skog noticed a significant increase in police and SWAT presence in his neighborhood. However, the situation intensified around 5 a.m.
“I heard a loud explosion, which I chalked up right away to a motor going off, like a firework. But then like a minute later I heard another one, followed shortly thereafter by a series of gunfire, really rapid,” Skog said. “Then I knew right away that something bad was taking place.”
Skog was aware that the sound of gunshots was originating near his residence, although he couldn’t pinpoint the exact location.
Skog recalled receiving a phone call from the police department instructing them to take immediate action. “We were told to shelter in place and go to our basement,” Skog said.
Foline expressed his deep sorrow and shared the difficult task he now faced – explaining the tragic events of the day to his daughter. He emphasized the profound impact that the loss of innocent lives had on him and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the courageous responders.
“This is a tragedy, and I have to now explain to my daughter what happened today, and it’s just the thought of those kids, that’s what really hits home to me and my heart goes out to the families of the responders,” Foline said.
Shawn Flynn resides just a stone’s throw away.
“We definitely shared some extra hugs and cuddles this morning with my boys and wife,” Flynn expressed. “I am grateful that such an incident has never occurred in our lives and I hope it never will. It serves as a strong reminder that you never know when you’ll wake up on a Sunday morning and find that everything has taken an unexpected turn.”
Hundreds line metro streets to honor victims
Police and first responders from multiple cities gathered at Hennepin Healthcare in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon to demonstrate their support. The hospital, known for its level-one trauma center, frequently receives injured officers for treatment.
A solemn moment unfolded outside the hospital as a group of law enforcement officers stood in salute, while the caskets, adorned with American flags, were gently loaded into waiting vans.
As the vans departed downtown, a crowd of doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff lined up in the skyway to bid them farewell. Police, fire, and paramedic vehicles remained close by, ensuring their safe journey.
Gov. Tim Walz reacts
Minnesota state leaders and other law enforcement agencies have been expressing their support and offering condolences on social media.
“We should always appreciate the courage and dedication of our first responders, who put their lives on the line every day,” stated Walz. “Today, the families of these public servants have received the dreaded call they knew might come but hoped never would. My heart goes out to the grieving families, and the State of Minnesota is prepared to provide any assistance they may need. This is a devastating loss for our state.”
Starting Monday at sunrise, Governor Walz has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff.
Vigil held for victims outside Burnsville City Hall
A crowd of people came together on Sunday evening outside Burnsville City Hall to honor and remember the brave first responders who lost their lives.
Burnsville City Manager, Gregg Lindberg, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the community for their unwavering support and graciousness.
“It has been an incredibly emotional and challenging day,” Lindberg expressed. “I feel incredibly privileged to be able to work alongside the courageous and dedicated individuals of our police and fire departments. They make the choice to come to work each day, putting their lives on the line for the greater good of all of us.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Angie Craig were present to show their respects.
Craig expressed his deep empathy for the immense pain that everyone is experiencing. He emphasized his inability to fully comprehend the magnitude of their suffering. However, he wanted to convey his heartfelt gratitude to all the officers, paramedics, and fire department personnel for their invaluable service and dedication. Craig recognized the significant contributions they make to society and acknowledged the sacrifices they make on a daily basis.
Police officers from various cities in the metro area came together in a powerful display of unity and support. Their presence symbolized a community in mourning that extends well beyond the boundaries of Burnsville.
First responders in Minnesota and surrounding communities have been tragically affected by gun violence nine times since June.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, a total of 18 officers across the country have been killed in the line of duty this year. Out of these, four officers were fatally shot.
