A 36-year-old Minneapolis police officer was shot and killed in what authorities say was an ambush in the Whittier neighborhood of the city.
Another officer was shot but was treated and released at HCMC.
Two civilians were also shot and killed in the shooting, one of them believed to be the person who fired at officers.
Officer Jamal Mitchell, died as a result of the shooting, which took place a few block
Gov. Walz ordered all flags at state buildings lowered to half-staff in honor of Mitchell's sacrifice.
“Minnesota mourns the loss of Officer Jamal Mitchell, a dedicated public servant and hero in his community who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his neighbors,” said Walz in a statement. “Our first responders are first to step in during crisis. We must never take their commitment for granted, and we must ensure they can answer their call of duty without fearing for their own lives. My heart is with the family and loved ones of Officer Mitchell at this time.”
Mitchell was on the Minneapolis police force for about two years, and is the first to die on duty in two decades.
"Today is a devastating day in the city of Minneapolis," said Mayor Jacob Frey in a Thursday night news conference attended by Gov. Walz and law enforcement personnel.
A second victim suffered grave injuries.
Police say an innocent bystander in a vehicle was also seriously hurt, and one firefighter suffered minor injuries.
This all began after 5:00 in the area of 22nd and Blaisdell Avenue South in the Whittier neighborhood.
Police were called to a report of shots fired.
When the call went out for an officer down and an active shooter, dozens of officers from several departments including MPD, Hennepin County Sheriff, State Patrol and ATF decended upon the scene, quickly setting up a several block perimeter and not allowing residents into or out of the area closest to the shooting.
At the same time, a number of police vehicles were seen outside of Hennepin County Medical Center in downtown Minneapolis, many of the officers hugging each other as they arrived.
Mayor Frey and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt were also seen heading into the hospital Thursday evening.
Hundreds of police vehicles, their emergency lights flashing, drove in a massive caravan along highways leading to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office in Minnetonka.
"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," Gov. Walz said in a tweet.
Police sent their large mobile command center to the scene around 6:00 p.m., suggesting that investigators plan to be on the scene for several hours.