Two police officers and a paramedic were killed Sunday morning in Burnsville, Minnesota, after responding to a “call of a family in danger,” according to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
“We must never take for granted the courage and sacrifice that our police officers and first responders make every day,” Walz said. “My heart is with their families today and the entire state of Minnesota stands with Burnsville.”
The city of Burnsville released a statement saying the deceased were police officers Paul Elmstrand, 27, and Matthew Ruge, 27, and Adam Finseth, who worked as a firefighter and EMT. 40 years old). Another police officer, Adam Medlicott, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to the city, police were dispatched at 1:50 a.m. Sunday morning (local time) to reports that an armed man had barricaded himself and his family in a residence.
“Around 8 a.m., we received a report that the suspect was deceased,” the city said in a statement. “Other family members left the home late in the morning and are safe. There is no ongoing threat.”
Burnsville city officials announced they will hold a press conference Sunday afternoon regarding the shooting.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said on social media that it was responding to a “report of an officer-involved domestic-related shooting” in Burnsville.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar previously posted on X that she had been informed that three police officers had been shot in Burnsville.
“I heard from police this morning that three officers were shot and killed in Burnsville,” Klobuchar wrote. “They were doing their job. They were protecting our community. John and I are praying for them, their families, and the Burnsville Police Department this morning.”
The city of Golden Valley, located 32 miles north of Burnsville, and the West St. Paul Police Department expressed their condolences on social media, noting that two officers and a paramedic were among those shot in the incident.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara also posted on X asking the public to “please pray for the Burnsville Police Department this morning.”
Minnesota Congressman Jim Nash also posted about the report on social media.
“My heart is heavy for the families of these police officers, the community of Burnsville, and our country because this headline is not unique,” Nash wrote.
Incorporated in 1964, Burnsville is a suburb located south of Minneapolis and St. Paul. According to the city's website, it is the ninth largest suburb in the metropolitan area, with a population of over 64,000.
This is a developing story. Please check back for the latest information.
