Police officer among three killed in Minneapolis shooting; suspect also dead, officials say

MINNEAPOLIS — Three people were killed in a shooting on Thursday evening in Minneapolis, including a police officer, the city administration announced. The suspect is also dead, authorities said. A second police officer was also seriously injured, CBS Minnesota learned.

In a press conference, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey identified 28-year-old Jamal Mitchell as the police officer killed in the shooting. The second officer is expected to recover, officials said.

According to a news release from the city of Minneapolis, the incident began around 5:30 p.m. when officers responded to a call about shootings at an apartment complex in the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue South in the Whittier neighborhood. When officers arrived, they were immediately met with gunfire, Minneapolis police said.

About two blocks from the original scene, Mitchell was attempting to provide medical aid to two men who had been injured when he was “ambushed,” said Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

One of the original victims died at the scene and another suffered serious injuries. A person, believed to be an innocent bystander, was also shot when police arrived. Their condition is critical. In addition, a firefighter suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Mitchell received an award for his work with the Minneapolis Police Department in February 2023 after rescuing an elderly couple from a burning house. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, it was Mitchell’s third day on the job.

“He was courageous in everything he did,” said Katie Blackwell, deputy chief of operations for the Minneapolis Police Department. “He was a wonderful human being. He had only been with our department for about a year and a half and was exceptional in every way.”

Witnesses reported hearing gunshots as the incident occurred.

“My girlfriend and I first heard a really loud bang,” said Reuben Molina, who lives nearby. “Then we heard it over and over again in quick succession. And she and I thought, ‘Oh, those are gunshots.'”

In addition to the Minneapolis police, the Minnesota State Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also responded to the incident. Authorities asked the public to avoid the area.

“The State of Minnesota stands ready to provide all necessary resources. We pray for all first responders on the ground working to keep the public safe,” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said in a tweet.

According to St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, St. Paul police officers assisted with patrols in Minneapolis on Thursday evening.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting in Minneapolis tonight,” Carter said. “We are praying for our colleagues and the entire Minneapolis community.”

A Flood of answers Minnesota politicians and authorities have sharply criticized the mass shooting that killed a Minneapolis police officer and two others.

“Once again, a police officer bravely faced danger and tragically lost his life while protecting the community,” Brian Peters, executive director of the Minneapolis Police and Peace Officers Association, said in a statement.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the incident.