Two police officers and a firefighter were shot and killed at the scene after a frantic call for help at a home in suburban Minneapolis early Sunday, officials said.
One suspect in the shooting also died, officials said.
death of two burnsville The police officers and firefighters were identified by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, which represents the state’s public safety professionals. The third officer was injured in the shooting.
“Horrifying news from Burnsville,” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said in a Facebook post. “Two police officers and a firefighter lost their lives and another officer was injured while responding to a call about a family in danger.
“We must never take for granted the courage and sacrifice that our police officers and first responders make every day. My heart is with their families today, and the entire state of Minnesota is with Burnsville. I support it.”
City officials identified the slain officers as Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 20 years old. The firefighter was 40-year-old Adam Finseth, who was also a paramedic.
Officials said Finseth was killed while helping Elmstrand and Ruge, who had been shot. The third officer to be shot, Sergeant Adam Medlicott, was treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Details about how the shooting suspect died were not immediately released.
The shooting occurred in a tree-lined area lined with two-story houses. In the aftermath, the streets were lined with SWAT vehicles, police cars, firefighters and ambulances.
Democratic Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota said in a statement that she is in contact with mayors, police chiefs and state officials to provide the necessary federal resources.
“Today is another solemn reminder that those who protect our communities do so at great personal risk,” she said.
Burnsville is a city of approximately 64,000 people located approximately 15 miles (24 km) south of downtown Minneapolis.
