Police officer, suspect among 3 dead in Minneapolis shooting; several others injured

A police officer and a suspected shooter are among three dead in a shooting Thursday in Minneapolis, officials said. Several other people, including a second police officer and a firefighter, were also injured.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey identified the fallen officer during a news conference Thursday evening as Jamal Mitchell.

“This officer made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and save the lives of others,” Frey said. “His life, his service and his name will forever be remembered by the city of Minneapolis.”

Frey added that Mitchell was also a father, fiancé and officer deeply committed to protecting and serving. He also mentioned the time Mitchell was recognized last year for saving a couple from a house fire.

“We have several other victims – beloved residents, community members who were killed in this same incident and several others who were injured,” Frey said. “Our city is currently in mourning. »

A heavy police presence was assembled along Blaisdell Avenue, between West 22nd and West 24th streets, starting around 5:30 p.m. An ambulance was also seen rushing away from the scene with its lights on.

Deputy Chief Katie Blackwell said officers responded to a report of a double shooting in the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue. The officers were immediately fired upon upon arrival and exchanged gunfire with the suspect.

Two officers were injured and were transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where Mitchell was pronounced dead, despite life-saving measures. The second officer's injuries are not life-threatening, Blackwell said.

The suspect was also injured and officers provided first aid, Blackwell said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other victims were found at the scene. One of them was pronounced dead at the scene and the other was seriously injured.

Blackwell said a firefighter was also shot and his life was not in danger.

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans added that Mitchell was shot while trying to help victims at the scene and described the attack as an “ambush.” The second police officer exchanged gunfire with the suspect.

Evans said a bystander was also injured and was in critical condition.

A local resident told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS she heard five “loud noises,” which she realized were gunshots, then she saw people running away from a gunman of a firearm. The woman added that she saw many police officers respond and tell residents to stay inside.

Other witnesses reported hearing dozens of gunshots, and other agencies were also seen responding to the area. Police cordoned off several blocks in Minneapolis' South Side.

Addressing the Minneapolis Police Department, Frey said, “Your profession is honorable within an incredible police department. It is your courage that helps keep our city safe. You wore the uniform and badge in the most difficult circumstances our city has ever faced, and you wore that uniform and badge with pride, protecting and serving with compassion. You continued to show up in small numbers, you continued to do the right thing by helping those in need, and you have our support.

Gov. Tim Walz offered his condolences to the Minneapolis Police Department and Mitchell's family.

“There are no words you will hear today that will take away the horror of this situation,” he said. “For Minnesotans across the state…you feel the trauma of this all over again. “It’s one of those cases that should be unthinkable, but is entirely possible because it’s happened four times in the last two months.”

“This trauma should quickly turn to anger and a commitment that this cannot happen. We don’t have to live this way,” Walz added.

Minnesota BCA is investigating the shooting. Evans said more information would be released in the coming days.