‘We’re hurting’: 2 officers, first responder shot, killed in Minnesota domestic incident

BURNSVILLE, Minn. — Two police officers and a first responder were killed early Sunday after they responded to a domestic incident call in Burnsville, Minnesota, officials said.

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First responder was tending to officer when killed

Update 5:59 p.m. EST Feb. 18: Police said Adam Finseth, the first responder at the scene during Sunday’s shooting, was trying to help one of the wounded officers when he was shot, the Star Tribune of Minneapolis reported.

During a news conference, officials added that the gunman had multiple weapons when he barricaded himself inside the residence. The seven children inside the building ranged in age from 2 to 15, Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, told reporters.

A vigil honoring the fallen officers was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST at the Burnsville City Hall, City Manager Gregg Lindberg said during a news conference.

-- Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

‘A difficult and emotional day’

Update 5:39 p.m. EST Feb. 18: In an emotional news conference, Burnsville City Manager Gregg Lindberg called Sunday’s shooting “a difficult and emotional day.”

“Words can’t express how hard this day has been for us,” he said.

Burnsville police Chief Tanya Schwartz fought back tears as she spoke to reporters.

“This is a hard day,” she said. “We’re hurting.

“They made the ultimate sacrifice. They are heroes.”

Burnsville Fire Department Chief BJ Jungmann added that Sunday “is the toughest day” in the department’s memory.

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said one of the police officers was shot inside the residence, while the other two were shot outside.

He added that the identity of the shooter will be identified after the body is examined by the medical examiner. The gunman was reported dead around 8 a.m. CST, and the family members in the home were able to exit the residence moments later, Evans said.

The suspect, who has not been identified, was reported dead around 8 a.m., and the family members in the home made it out safely a short time later.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said that flags would fly at half-staff to honor the officers who were killed.

“Minnesota mourns with you,” Walz said during the news conference. “Minnesotans are going to mourn, and they are going to mourn publicly.”

-- Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Burnsville officials identify officers, firefighter

Update 4:27 p.m. EST Feb. 18: City officials in Burnsville, Minnesota, identified the officers and first responder killed in Sunday’s shooting.

The officers killed were Paul Elmstrand 27, and Matthew Ruge, 27, WCCO-TV reported. The firefighter paramedic was identified as Adam Finseth, 40, according to the television station.

Elmstrand joined the Burnsville Police Department as a community services officer in August 2017 and was promoted to officer in 2019, according to KARE-TV. He also worked in the department’s mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard and field training unit.

Ruge joined the department in April 2020 and was part of its crisis negotiations team, KARE reported. He also was a physical evidence officer, city officials said.

Finseth had been a firefighter and a paramedic for the city since 2019, according to the television station.

Another officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, was taken to the hospital with injuries that are not considered to be life-threatening, KSTP-TV reported.

-- Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Officials say suspect is dead

Update 3:18 p.m. EST Feb. 18: The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association said that a suspect has died, according to The Associated Press. The suspect’s death is in connection with the shooting in Burnsville that left a first responder and two police officers dead.

Authorities attempted negotiations with a suspect for about four hours, the AP said. Then SWAT made their way into the house.

Officials found seven children inside the house.

The suspect has not yet been identified.

The names of the two officers and the first responder have still not been released.

Original story: The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association confirmed the deaths, according to The Associated Press.

“We are heartbroken. Our law enforcement community is heartbroken. We’re just devastated at the horrific loss. These heroes leave behind loved ones and a community who will forever remember their bravery and dedication to keeping Minnesotans safe,” the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association said in a statement on Facebook.

“Horrific news from Burnsville. While responding to a call of a family in danger, two police officers and one firefighter lost their lives, and other officers were injured,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our police officers and first responders make every day. My heart is with their families today and the entire State of Minnesota stands with Burnsville.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the officers and first responder who responded to a domestic call this morning. These officers were struck down while answering the call of duty to serve and protect. We mourn alongside the Burnsville community and the families of those killed,” The Law Enforcement Labor Services executive director, Jim Mortenson, said in a statement obtained by the AP.

“Please keep Burnsville Police Dept in your prayers this morning,” Minneapolis police Chief Brian O’Hara said on X.

“Learned from police this morning that three officers have been shot in Burnsville. They were doing their jobs. They were protecting our community. John and I are praying for them and their families and the Burnsville P.D. this morning,” Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said on X, per The New York Times.

It is not clear if anyone has been arrested.

The names of the two officers and the first responder have not yet been released.

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