2 police officers and 1 first responder shot and killed in Minnesota

Written by: STEVE KARNOWSKI and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH (Associated Press)

BURNSVILLE, Minn. (AP) — A desperate call for help from a suburban Minneapolis home early Sunday proved fatal for two police officers and a first responder who were shot and killed at the scene, authorities said.

The suburban neighborhood of Burnsville, Minnesota, was surrounded by police cars, keeping the press and public away from the scene of the shootings. The deaths of two Burnsville police officers and first responders were confirmed by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.

“We are heartbroken. Our law enforcement community is heartbroken. “We are devastated by the terrible loss,” Brian Peters, executive director of the association that represents public safety professionals in the state, said in a statement.

No other details were immediately released about how the shooting occurred in a tree-lined neighborhood of two-story houses. A police armored vehicle parked nearby sustained bullet damage to its windshield, but there was no confirmation as to whether this was the result of the incident. The street was lined with SWAT vehicles, police cars, firefighters and ambulances.

City officials, including Burnsville police, fire and the mayor, did not immediately respond to telephone or email messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said in his post on Facebook that other officers were injured in addition to the dead.

“We must never underestimate the courage and sacrifices our police officers and first responders make every day,” Walz said. “Today my heart goes out to their family and the entire State of Minnesota goes out to Burnsville.”

Other law enforcement agencies immediately began posting condolences on social media, including images of badges with blue bars. This is a sign of solidarity in mourning.

Law Enforcement Labor Services represents the rank-and-file officers and supervisors of the Burnsville Police Department.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the responding officers and first responders,” Jim Mortenson, the organization’s executive director, said in a statement.

“These officers were shot while responding to the call of duty to serve and protect. “We mourn with the people of Burnsville and the families of those killed,” the statement said.

Sheriff Marty Kelly of neighboring Goodhue County wrote that he was closely monitoring the unfolding situation.

“In times like these, it is so important to come together as a community and support each other in the face of uncertainty and grief,” Kelly said.

Democratic Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota said in a statement that she was in contact with the mayor, police chief and state officials to secure needed federal resources.

“Today,” he said, “is another sobering reminder that those who protect our communities do so at great personal risk.”

Burnsville, a city of approximately 64,000, is located approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of downtown Minneapolis.