Sources: Shooting in Minneapolis leaves 1 police officer and 2 civilians dead, suspected shooter also dead

A police officer and two civilians are dead following a shooting Thursday night in the Whittier neighborhood, Minneapolis police and law enforcement sources confirmed to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. The suspected shooter is also dead, police said.

Several sources add that another officer was hospitalized and several civilians were also injured.

As of approximately 5:30 p.m., a large police presence was gathered along Blaisdell Avenue between West 22nd and West 24th Streets. Additionally, an ambulance was seen speeding away from the scene of the accident with its blue lights flashing.

Minneapolis police confirmed that two officers and four civilians were shot, but did not immediately provide a description of the officers’ conditions. Multiple sources confirmed that one of the officers had died.

A resident told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS she heard five “loud bangs” that she recognized as gunshots and then saw people running away from an armed man. The woman added that she saw many police officers telling residents to stay indoors.

Other witnesses reported hearing dozens of gunshots and other emergency services were also deployed in the area.

Police have cordoned off part of the area and are asking the public to avoid the area. Several task forces were also spotted at Hennepin Healthcare.

Governor Tim Walz also spoke on social media and said the state was prepared to provide all necessary resources.

Officials are expected to provide further updates during a press conference at 10 p.m. Tune in to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS and stay with KSTP.com for the latest information.

This is breaking news. Stay with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS for the latest updates on the radio and online.