One Firefighter, Two Policemen Killed After Responding to Domestic Situation in Minnesota
Two police officers and a firefighter were killed after responding to a domestic situation early Sunday morning in Burnsville, Minn.
The suspect, who was armed with multiple guns and large amounts of ammunition, shot at police officers from both the upper and lower levels of a suburban Minneapolis home.
Burnsville firefighter and paramedic Finseth and Burnsville Police officers Elmstrand and Ruge were killed responding to an armed man barricaded with family. Police were called at 1:50 a.m. to the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South for a report of a domestic situation in which a man was reported to be armed and barricaded with family, authorities said.
The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association said negotiations with the suspect went on for four hours before a SWAT team entered the home. Seven children were inside the house, but the city said the family was able to leave the home safely.
After first responders arrived, the situation escalated into gunfire, and Elmstrand, 27; Ruge, 27; and Finseth 40; were killed by the gunman during the response, according to officials, who added Sgt. Adam Medlicott was taken to a hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
The suspect was reported to be dead around 8 a.m., authorities said, adding that the other family members left the home later Sunday morning and are safe.
Finseth has been a Burnsville firefighter and paramedic since February of 2019.
Police scanner recordings on Broadcastify.com capture a rattled man saying, “I need any ambulance,” as he struggled to catch his breath. Someone later could be heard talking about three being loaded into ambulances, uttering the word “critical.”
“We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our police officers and first responders make every day,” said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. "My heart is with their families today and the entire State of Minnesota stands with Burnsville.”
Other law enforcement agencies immediately began posting messages of condolence on social media, including images of badges with blue bars through them. It is a mark of solidarity in mourning.
As the bodies of the dead left a hospital, officers saluted, before they were taken in a convoy to the medical examiner's office. Medical staff watched in scrubs.
The State’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said in a news release that it was asked to investigate the shooting. It said it would provide more information later. The statewide agency provides investigative and other services to help solve crimes, often to back up smaller law enforcement agencies that lack sufficient resources.
In neighboring Goodhue County, Sheriff Marty Kelly wrote that it was closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
“In times like these," Kelly said, "it is essential to come together as a community and support one another through the uncertainty and grief.”
Democratic Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota said in a statement that she had been in touch with the mayor, police chief and state officials to offer any federal resources needed.
“Today," she said, "serves as another solemn reminder that those who protect our communities do so at great personal risk.”
Burnsville, a city of around 64,000, is located about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of downtown Minneapolis.
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