Minneapolis Shooting: Two Dead, Three Cops Injured

Two civilians were killed and several others wounded in a downtown Minneapolis apartment shooting. The suspected gunman also died as heavily armed police responded to the scene.

At least two people were killed and several others injured after a shooting at a high-rise apartment building in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday afternoon. Three Minneapolis police officers were among those injured, with two suffering gunshot wounds, authorities said.

The suspected shooter also died in the incident. Police have not yet disclosed the circumstances of the suspect’s death or identified a motive for the shooting. The incident triggered a major emergency response near the Minneapolis Convention Center, with heavily armed officers and armoured vehicles deployed around the building.

Gunfire Reported Downtown

Police received a 911 call reporting gunfire shortly after 4:30 pm local time on Wednesday at an apartment building at 15 East Grant Street. Officers entered the high-rise within minutes and found victims inside.

Minneapolis Police Sergeant Garrett Parten said officers subsequently heard additional gunfire and followed it towards an upper floor. There, officers encountered a haze that significantly reduced visibility as they attempted to secure the area.

Two Victims Killed

One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while another died after being transported to hospital, police said.

Several other people were injured in the shooting. Initial hospital reports indicated that seven patients were taken to Hennepin Healthcare, although the number of injured reported by authorities varied as the investigation developed.

Authorities have not publicly released the identities of the two deceased victims.

Three Police Officers Hurt

Three Minneapolis police officers were also injured while responding to the shooting. Two officers sustained gunshot wounds, while a third suffered injuries from another cause.

All three officers were reported to be in stable condition. One officer was shot in the leg, while another injured officer required surgery, according to police and hospital officials.

The injuries occurred as officers moved through the building and attempted to locate the source of continuing gunfire.

Suspected Gunman Dead

Police confirmed that the suspected gunman was also dead. Officials have not provided a definitive explanation of how he died.

The identity of the suspect had not been officially released in the initial police updates. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the events leading up to the attack and the suspect’s connection to the apartment building.

Police have also not established a motive publicly.

Massive Police Operation

The shooting prompted a large-scale law enforcement response. Video footage showed officers carrying rifles and pointing weapons towards the apartment tower near the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Armoured police vehicles, ambulances and multiple law enforcement units were deployed around the area. Authorities urged residents and members of the public to stay away while officers secured the building and investigated the scene.

The Minneapolis Police Department initially asked people to avoid a wider area around the scene to allow emergency personnel to operate safely.

Investigation Underway

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said state officials were assisting local law enforcement following the shooting and expressed support for the responding officers and emergency personnel.

The FBI also offered assistance to local authorities as investigators worked to establish what happened inside the apartment building.

Authorities are expected to examine witness accounts, surveillance footage and other evidence from the building as they reconstruct the sequence of events.

Motive Still Unknown

The investigation remains active, and several key details are yet to be established, including the suspect’s motive and the precise circumstances that led to the shooting.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by police responding to reports of gunfire in densely populated buildings. Officials have said more information will be released as investigators verify the circumstances and notify relatives of those involved.