Police chief says 'hearts are broken' after mass shooting at bar in St. Paul injures 14, kills one

St. Paul Police Department.
St. Paul Police Department. Photo credit GettyImages

St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell shared his condolences for the victims of the shooting that left one dead and an estimated 14 people injured in Downtown St. Paul early Sunday morning.

Axtell shared in a tweet that he has spoken with the victim's family and that justice will be brought to those who have been injured or affected by the shooting.

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Three have been arrested, and local media reported that two of them have lengthy felony records, although police have not identified the alleged perpetrators.

"Hearts are broken- victims, families, community, and officers. I spoke with the homicide victim's family this morning, and they are absolutely devastated," Axtell said in a tweet.

Officers were called to the scene almost immediately when the shooting occurred, and Axtell praised them for their efforts.

"I am incredibly proud of the exhausted women and men of the SPPD," he said.

Axtell told the Pioneer Press he can't recall a shooting in St. Paul with this many victims since he became an officer in 1989.

St. Paul police spokesman Steve Linders gave an update on the incident, sharing that while the Seventh Street Truck Park was crowded with people, "multiple individuals decided to pull out guns, with no regard for human life, and pull the trigger."

"I think about the young woman who died," Linders said. "One minute she's having a good time, the next minute she's lying in her friends' arms who are trying to save her life and she didn't make it. I can't think of anything worse."

The SPPD is still investigating what occurred leading up to the shooting and everyone who was responsible.

“I can only describe it as hellish,” Linders said. “I think about the young woman who died. One minute she’s having a good time, the next minute she’s lying in her friends’ arms who are trying to save her life, and she didn’t make it. I can’t think of anything worse.”

Police are combing through camera footage of the area and call it an open investigation.

Featured Image Photo Credit: GettyImages