Two people were killed, while the suspected gunman also died, following a shooting at an apartment building in downtown Minneapolis on Wednesday, police said.
Three Minneapolis police officers were also injured, including two who suffered gunshot wounds, police Sgt. Garrett Parten said at a news conference Wednesday evening. All three officers were in stable condition at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Police received a 911 call reporting gunshots at the building shortly after 4:30pm Officers entered the high-rise within three minutes and found victims, Parten said.
They then heard additional gunfire and followed the sounds to a higher floor, where they encountered “a haze that significantly limited their visibility,” he said. Parten did not provide further details about the haze.
One officer suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken to the hospital along with the two other injured officers. One of the officers was undergoing surgery, Parten said.
“This is a tremendously tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the families, the loved ones of those who lost their lives, those who were injured and with the injured officers and their families,” Parten said.
One victim was pronounced dead at the scene after being fatally shot, while another died after being taken to the hospital, he said.
Parten said authorities did not immediately know how the suspected shooter died.
Hennepin County Medical Center said it received seven patients, but provided no further details about the conditions of those who were injured.
Julius Bailey was outside his apartment building when he heard gunshots and saw a man he recognized as a resident holding a pistol. Bailey said he heard a woman screaming and immediately ran away. He said he counted eight shots.
Bailey said he recognized the man with the gun because he was known for showing off his weapon. He said he had tried to avoid the man since moving into the building in June.
“I could tell he was trouble,” Bailey said.
Chris Miller, who also lives in the building, said he heard a rapid series of gunshots and quickly went outside for safety. He said he believed he knew who was responsible for the shooting and had encountered someone carrying a handgun in the hallway earlier this week. Miller said he reported that person to building management.
Videos posted on social media showed police officers pointing rifles upward at an apartment tower near the Minneapolis Convention Center. Authorities warned residents to stay away from the densely populated nearby Loring Park neighborhood.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a social media post that state officials were at the scene assisting local law enforcement in responding to the shooting.
“Grateful to law enforcement actively working to ensure the safety of our neighbors in Downtown Minneapolis this afternoon,” Walz said. “Minnesota is praying for our first responders.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency was responding to the shooting and would provide “any and all resources necessary to assist local authorities,” in a post on X.
