Police in Minnesota say seven kids between the ages of 2 and 15 were inside the home where two officers and a firefighter were fatally shot while responding to a call in the early hours of Sunday morning.
During a press conference on Sunday evening, Burnsville police offered more information on the shooting that occurred earlier in the day and resulted in the death of three first responders responding to a domestic call.
Officials shared that when officers arrived at the Burnsville home, they found the gunman locked inside who fired at them from several positions from inside.
The gunman possessed several guns and “lots” of ammunition that he used to fire at the officers who did return fire, police shared.
Police also shed more light on who was in the home, noting that seven adolescents were inside at the time of the shooting. None of the children were injured during the altercation.
Killed by the gunman during the interaction were Burnsville Police Officers Paul Elmstrand, 27, and Matthew Ruge, 27, along with firefighter Adam Finseth, 40, the release said.
“We are heartbroken. Our law enforcement community is heartbroken. We’re just devastated at the horrific loss,” Brian Peters, executive director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, said in a statement.
Sgt. Adam Medlicott was also present at the scene but only suffered an injury and is expected to recover.
The suspect has not yet been identified but was confirmed to have died in the shooting. It is not known how he died, whether by officers returning fire or a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“We still don’t know the exact exchange of gunfire that occurred,” Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said. “Certainly, several officers did return fire. And I’ll note that this individual had several guns and large amounts of ammunition and shot at the police officers from multiple positions within the home in that incident. The exact timing and cadence of what occurred will be part of our active investigation as we review video, officers’ body cams, video that might be in the area, conduct interviews, and all available evidence to really figure out exactly what occurred in this incident.”
Evans also shared that at least one of the officers killed was shot from inside the home while engaging with the suspect.
“At least one of the officers were shot inside of the home, the other two that were deceased, we’re still piecing together if it was inside or outside of the home, but I can tell you that officers took fire inside of the home and outside of the home,” Evans said.
Several Minnesota leaders, politicians, and police departments have since offered their condolences and support for the families of the first responders who lost their lives. Gov. Tim Walz shared that the state stands ready to support them during this time.
“We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our first responders make each and every day,” Gov. Tim Walz shared in a statement.
Police are continuing to investigate the shooting and determine a motive.