Cop killed among Minneapolis mass shooting victims

A 28-year-old Minneapolis police officer was shot and killed Thursday afternoon just outside downtown while responding to a shooting that left five others injured, the police said. Minneapolis Star Tribune and other local media reported, citing sources.

Police confirmed in a statement that a shooting had taken place, writing that two officers and four civilians were shot and injured. However, as of 8:15 p.m. local time, police have not confirmed whether any of their officers were killed.

Minneapolis police did not respond to a call or voicemail left by the Daily Beast, but Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), who represents part of the city, confirmed in a statement that a police officer had been killed.

“The killing of a Minneapolis police officer and another injured police officer, along with other victims, is a terrible tragedy,” she said. “We are waiting for more details.”

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) wrote in a personal statement that the second Minneapolis officer shot was “fighting for his life.”

“Incessant violence and disrespect for law enforcement is endemic, and we must immediately restore a culture of consequences,” he said.

Police said gunfire broke out in the Whittier neighborhood, a booming area that is home to the Minneapolis Institute of Art and a number of trendy restaurants. Videos from the scene showed police arriving in armored vehicles, with automatic rifles strapped to their shoulders.

The motive for the shooting has not been released and cops have not commented on the status of the suspected shooter. Their last public update was posted at 6:42 p.m. local time.

“The situation continues to be fluid,” the ministry said in a Facebook post.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a statement on the shooting saying he was praying for first responders, but released no information about what happened.

The identity of the fallen officer was not immediately released.

THE Grandstand of the stars reported that dozens of officers went to a downtown hospital after “officer down” calls were broadcast over the radio. There, the newspaper reported, the officers cried and consoled each other.