Two police officers and a firefighter-paramedic in suburban Minneapolis were shot and killed while responding to a domestic call on Sunday morning.
The first responders were identified as Paul Elmstrand, 27, a five-year veteran of the Burnsville Police Department; Matthew Ruge, 27, who joined the department in 2020; and Adam Finseth, 40, a medic with the Burnsville Fire Department since 2019.
Authorities said that officers were called to a residence around 1:50 a.m. local time on Sunday after a gunman barricaded himself inside with a woman and seven young children. After a three-hour standoff, gunfire erupted, striking the officers and Finseth as he attempted to aid one of them.
Another officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries in the incident.
“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. “These heroes leave behind loved ones and a community who will forever remember their bravery and dedication to keeping Minnesotans safe.”
It was a sentiment echoed by department and city officials, many of whom struggled to keep their emotions in check at an evening news conference.
“Words can’t express how hard today has been,” City Manager Greg Lindberg said.
“This is the toughest day that the city of Burnsville and our public safety families have ever experienced,” Fire Chief B.J. Jungmann added.
“We’re heartbroken. We are heartbroken,” Police Chief Tanya Schwartz said, her voice thick. “We are going to need time to be together.”
By 8 a.m., the gunman had apparently turned his weapon on himself, and was reported to be deceased inside. The woman and children were subsequently able to escape, officials explained.
The gunman was not immediately identified after his death was confimed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. An investigation remains ongoing.
“We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our first responders make each and every day,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement. “My heart is with their families today and the entire State of Minnesota stands with Burnsville. Today, the families of these public servants received the call they knew was possible but hoped would never come.
“My heart is with those grieving families—the State of Minnesota stands ready to support in any way we can.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Angie Craig sent their condolences. “They were doing their jobs. They were protecting our community,” Klobuchar said in a statement. “John and I are praying for them and their families and the Burnsville P.D. this morning.”
