Police officer and two others killed in mass shooting in Minneapolis; suspected shooter also dead

MINNEAPOLIS — A police officer and two other people are dead following a mass shooting in Minneapolis, according to city officials and WCCO sources. Officials say the suspected shooter is also dead. Another officer is in critical condition.

Police responded to a call about a shooting at an apartment complex in the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue South in the Whittier neighborhood. Police are asking people to avoid the area.

Witnesses described hearing the shots.

“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 Department, the Minnesota State Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also responded to the incident.

“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,” Governor Tim Walz said in a tweet.

As of 6:42 p.m., Minneapolis police said the situation remained “volatile.”

According to St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, officers from the St. Paul Police Department will assist with patrol 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.”

This is a developing story. Stay with WCCO for more information.