Two police officers and a paramedic who came to their aid were shot and killed after responding to a “domestic incident” at a Minneapolis home in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Officers were called to a report of a “family in distress” at a home on 33rd Avenue South, Burnsville, shortly after 2:30 a.m.
A shelter-in-place alert was sent to phones in the area 15 miles south of downtown and a third police officer was shot and wounded before the gunman killed himself.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered flags to fly at half-staff starting at dawn tomorrow, and the killings have shocked police departments across the state.
‘We are heartbroken. Our law enforcement community is heartbroken,” the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association tweeted.
Dozens of heavily armed officers descended on the street in Burnsville after the shooting in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Officers had been called to a report of a “family in distress” at a home on 33rd Avenue South, about 15 miles south of downtown Minneapolis.
State authorities are expected to hold a press conference shortly.
“We are simply devastated by the terrible loss. These heroes leave behind their loved ones and a community that will always remember their bravery and dedication to keeping Minnesotans safe.”
Dozens of heavily armed police descended on the street and a SWAT vehicle was seen with multiple bullet holes in the windshield.
A siege situation developed amid fears there were hostages inside the house and the gunman is believed to have committed suicide shortly before 6am.
“While responding to a call from a family in distress, two police officers and a firefighter were killed and other officers were injured,” the governor tweeted.
‘We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our police officers and first responders make every day. “My heart goes out to their families today and the entire state of Minnesota stands with Burnsville.”
Rep. Jim Nash tweeted: “My heart is sad for the families of these officers, the Burnsville community, and for our country because this headline is not unique.”
“This morning I learned from the police that three officers had been shot in Burnsville,” added Senator Amy Klobuchar.
‘They were doing their job. “They were protecting our community.”
Police departments across the city and state sent vehicles in a show of support to Hennepin Healthcare hospital in downtown Minneapolis, where the injured officer is believed to have been taken.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara asked that people “keep Burnsville police in your prayers.”
State officials are expected to hold a press conference shortly.
This is a developing story.