Sources: Four dead in Minneapolis shooting, including officer, gunman

MINNEAPOLIS — Law enforcement sources tell KARE 11 that a Minneapolis police officer has died following a shooting involving multiple victims on Blaisdell Avenue in the Whittier neighborhood on Tuesday evening. Another officer was also injured.

Minneapolis police have not yet confirmed the officer’s death. In a statement, a city spokesperson confirmed that two civilians and the suspected shooter are dead, and that two MPD officers had been transported to a hospital. Earlier in the evening, MPD posted on social media that two officers and four civilians had been injured.

The city said the public is not currently in any danger, but city officials asked the public to continue to avoid the area around 22nd and Blaisdell.

Police and Mayor Jacob Frey are expected to hold a news conference at 10 p.m.

Gov. Tim Walz said the Minnesota State Patrol is responding and assisting MPD, while also offering additional state resources as necessary.

“Praying for all the first responders on the ground working to keep the community safe,” Walz wrote on X.

U.S. Sen. Tina Smith called the news “tragic” in a post on X.

“Tragic news that a MPD officer has been killed, and another critically wounded tonight in South Minneapolis,” Sen. Smith wrote. “We are praying for the emergency responders and everyone in the community tonight, working to keep us safe.”

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar added her prayers for those killed and injured in Thursday’s shooting.

“Devastated to learn about the MPD officer killed and another critically injured this evening as they were working to keep our community safe,” Sen. Klobuchar wrote on X. “John and I are praying for both their families and all those impacted by this tragedy.”

The Minnesota Sheriff’s Association offered its condolences in a Facebook post and said, “This must stop.”

Surrounding communities also expressed their support for Minneapolis. 

Across the river in St. Paul, Mayor Melvin Carter posted on social media that St. Paul is “deeply saddened by the tragic shooting” and lending officers to assist MPD, including outside Target Center for the NBA Playoffs.

Multiple departments also posted condolence messages on social media, including Metro Transit Police, the chief of Maple Grove PD, and the Chisago Co. Sheriff’s Office, many of whom changed their account profile photos to honor a fallen officer.

This is a developing story. Stay with KARE 11 for more details.

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