Suspect who shot and killed MPD officer Jamal Mitchell had a criminal record and was wanted on gun charges

MINNEAPOLIS — Authorities have identified the man who shot and killed a police officer outside a south Minneapolis apartment complex Thursday in a chaotic mass shooting that left four people injured and one civilian dead, as well as the shooter.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office identified Mustafa Ahmed Mohamed as the third person to die in the crash. scene earlier this week. Multiple law enforcement sources told WCCO that Mohamed was the man who killed the officer. Jamal Mitchell.

Mitchell responded to a call of shots fired at the apartment and was assisting Mohamed, coming to his aid, when Mohamed turned on the officer and shot him. Police officials say Mohamed continued shooting at Mitchell after he fell to the ground.

The police returned fire and Mohamed died instantly. The medical examiner said Mohamed died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Mohamed, 35, was convicted of first-degree burglary in 2007 and was not authorized to carry a firearm. He was the subject of an active arrest warrant following a 2022 incident in which, according to court documents, police saw him at the scene of a robbery in downtown Minneapolis, carrying a gun.

Mohamed allegedly hid the weapon behind a pillar when he saw the police arrive. When police chased him, he threw a gun holster aside and was arrested on the spot.

In 2014, Mohamed pleaded guilty to federal charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition and a firearm, according to court records. He was sentenced in 2015 to just over eight years in prison, including three years of supervised release. An inmate whose name and demographics match Mohamed's was released in May 2020, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

On Thursday, a civilian – later identified as 32 years old Osman Jimale – was found dead inside the apartment. Another civilian inside the building was injured, as was a man who was sitting in his car outside the building. A Minneapolis officer and firefighter were also injured.

A memorial is growing outside Minneapolis' 5th Precinct in honor of Mitchell, who joined the Minneapolis police in 2022 with the goal of changing community-police relations. A Connecticut native, Mitchell was a father of three and engaged to be married.

The community gathered Saturday at the Apostle Supper Club in St. Paul for a fundraising barbecue, during which all proceeds will be donated to Mitchell's loved ones.

“We wanted to come and support, so we made a reservation and here we are, and we're meeting wonderful friends and family, so it's really important,” Trinny Cee said.

Chief Brian Ingram and other celebrity chefs were on hand to show their support for Mitchell's family and everyone who wears the uniform.

“We want to show them love, so when they show up and they see so many people here to support them, I think that's what these officers need more than anything right now, is to know that they are loved and that they matter and that’s such an important part,” Ingram said.

For most, it was a way of doing something that promotes community healing.

“It’s not just about food and drinks, it’s really about showing people that we’re here for each other,” Jammetta Raspberry said.

The Minneapolis Police Federation, Law Enforcement Labor Services and the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association collect donations through the LELS Benevolent Fund, with all proceeds going to Mitchell's loved ones.

As many continue to mourn the loss of a hero, the question persists as to why this man would shoot and kill an officer responding to a call for help.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the case.