OAN’s Elizabeth Bolbelding
10:45am – Monday, February 19, 2024
Two police officers and a firefighter were shot and killed in Burnsville, Minnesota, over the weekend, according to the Minnesota Law Enforcement Agency.
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Two police officers and a first responder were shot and killed in suburban Minneapolis around 1:50 a.m. Sunday during a chase following a domestic violence call, law enforcement officials said.
Authorities responded to a home in Burnsville, a town about 25 miles south of downtown Minneapolis, where an armed man had allegedly barricaded himself with his family.
Authorities identified the three victims as police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Rouge, both 27, and firefighter and EMT Adam Finseth, 40.
The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, is also now deceased and was in possession of “several guns and a large amount of ammunition,” said Drew Evans, director of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Enforcement.
Additionally, seven minors, ranging in age from 2 to 15, were inside the home at the time, but they managed to escape and are now safe.
The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, which represents public safety professionals in the state, confirmed the deaths of a first responder and two Burnsville police officers.
Brian Peters, executive director of the association representing public safety professionals in Minnesota, released a statement regarding the tragedy.
“We are heartbroken. Our law enforcement community is heartbroken. We are devastated by this terrible loss,” Peters said. “These heroes left behind loved ones and a community that will forever remember their courage and dedication to keeping Minnesotans safe.”
However, bullet damage to the windshield of a police armored vehicle parked nearby appears to have been caused by the incident. However, this has not been confirmed.
according to facebook post In addition to those killed, additional police officers were injured in the incident by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.).
“We must never take for granted the courage and sacrifice that our police officers and first responders make every day,” Walz declared. “My heart is with their families today and the entire state of Minnesota stands with Burnsville.”
Burnsville Police said it was an “active scene,” but further details were withheld. Police have reportedly been converging on the Burnsville area since early Sunday morning.
On social media, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced that it was dispatched to a location in Burnsville where “reports surfaced of an officer involved in a domestic-related shooting.”
No additional information was immediately released regarding the events leading up to the shooting. SWAT vehicles, police cars, fire trucks and ambulances lined the street after the incident.
Shortly after, additional law enforcement agencies began sharing messages of condolence on social media platforms along with photos of their badges. This is a symbol of the sadness shared by all military personnel.
Jim Mortenson, executive director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, said in a statement that his thoughts and prayers are with the families of the responding officers and first responders.
“These officers were shot while responding to their duty to serve and protect. Our thoughts are with the Burnsville community and the families of the victims,” the statement said.
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