Minneapolis : Two people were killed and six others injured in a shooting at a downtown apartment building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday afternoon. The suspected shooter also died, according to police and officials.
Three Minneapolis police officers were among those injured in the incident. Two officers suffered gunshot wounds, while the third sustained injuries that were not caused by gunfire. All three officers were reported to be in stable condition following treatment.
Shooting reported at downtown apartment building
Police responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment building in downtown Minneapolis shortly after 4:30 pm on Wednesday. Officers entered the building after receiving emergency calls and encountered a chaotic scene, with several people wounded.
One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while another died after being taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, authorities said. Seven patients were initially brought to the nearby hospital in connection with the incident.
The shooting prompted a major police response in the area. Officers from Minneapolis and neighbouring agencies were deployed as authorities worked to secure the building and determine whether any further threat remained.
Three police officers among those injured
Police Sgt Garrett Parten said three Minneapolis police officers were injured during the response. Two officers were struck by gunfire, while the third suffered a different injury.
A hospital spokesperson said the officers were in stable condition. The injuries came as officers moved into the building following reports of an active shooting and attempted to locate the victims and the person responsible.
Authorities praised the response of officers who entered the building despite the danger to assist people caught in the shooting.
Suspect found dead
The suspected shooter was also found dead after the incident. Authorities had not immediately released full details surrounding the suspect’s death or established a motive for the shooting.
Early reports indicated that the suspect was known to people living in the building. However, investigators were continuing to establish the circumstances leading up to the shooting and the relationship, if any, between the suspect and the victims.
Police were also working to determine the precise sequence of events inside the apartment building.
Residents urged to avoid the area
The Minneapolis Police Department warned members of the public to stay away from the area while officers dealt with the incident. The densely populated Loring Park neighbourhood near the scene was also placed under an advisory as authorities secured the surroundings.
Video footage from the scene showed heavily armed police officers positioned around the apartment tower near the Minneapolis Convention Center as the emergency response continued.
The incident caused concern among residents and people in the surrounding downtown area, where emergency services maintained a significant presence.
State and federal authorities offer support
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said state officials were assisting local law enforcement agencies responding to the shooting. He expressed gratitude to the officers working to protect residents and assist those affected.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation also offered resources to local authorities. FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency was responding and would provide support as required during the investigation.
The investigation remains focused on understanding what led to the shooting, identifying the victims and establishing the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death.
The Minneapolis shooting has once again highlighted the risks faced by police officers responding to reports of gunfire, as well as the dangers such incidents pose to residents in densely populated communities.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as investigators continue their work.