Police officer among 3 killed in Minneapolis shooting; suspect also dead, officials say

MINNEAPOLIS — Three people were killed, including a police officer, in a shooting Thursday evening in Minneapolis, according to city officials and WCCO sources. The suspect is also dead, authorities said. A second police officer was also critically wounded, CBS Minnesota learned.

According to a news release from the city of Minneapolis, the incident began when officers responded to a shots fired call at an apartment complex in the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue South, in the Whittier neighborhood. 

The city confirmed that two civilians were killed and two officers were transported to a hospital. However, the Minneapolis Police and Peace Officers Association, the union which represents Minneapolis officers, said in a statement late Thursday that one of those wounded officers died. 

“Once again, a police officer bravely faced danger and tragically lost his life protecting the community,” the union’s executive director Brian Peters said in a statement. 

The exact circumstances of the shooting were unclear. A news conference was scheduled for late Thursday night. 

Witnesses described hearing the gunshots.

“Me and my girlfriend, we heard really loud banging at first,” Reuben Molina, who lives nearby, said. “Then we heard it again and again and again in rapid succession. And me and her were like, ‘Oh that’s gunshots.'”

In addition to Minneapolis police, the Minnesota State Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also responded to the incident. Authorities were asking people to avoid the area.

“The State of Minnesota stands ready to provide any resources necessary. Praying for all the first responders on the ground working to keep the community safe,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a tweet.

As of 6:42 p.m., the Minneapolis Police Department said the situation continued to be “fluid.” 

Officers with the St. Paul Police Department were helping with patrols in Minneapolis on Thursday night, according to St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting in Minneapolis tonight,” Carter said. “We are praying for our colleagues and the entire Minneapolis community.”

This is a developing story. Stay with WCCO for more information.