On Thursday a Minneapolis police officer responding to a shooting call was ambushed and killed when he stopped to provide aid to a man who appeared to be a victim. The man instead ended up shooting the officer, authorities said, and two others.
According to officials, the shooting happened at an apartment building on Thursday afternoon along Blaisdell Avenue near 22nd Street and left six people shot including two police officers and three civilians.
The suspect and a police officer exchanged gunfire, injuring the officer and killing the suspect, authorities said.
One civilian is currently in “grave” condition after being shot. A firefighter was also injured in the shooting. Law enforcement believes an innocent bystander was shot as well, and is in critical condition.
Authorities say the gunman and the people inside the apartment are believed to be acquainted with each other. Authorities also say they believe they know who the suspect is.
In a late-night news conference, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey identified the officer killed as Officer Jamal Mitchell.
“We will honor his sacrifice, we will remember his name, we will never forget what he did for the people of our city,” said Mayor Frey.
Here’s O’Hara’s full statement on the shooting:
“There are no words to appropriately describe this tragedy. It’s the worst call a police chief can receive – one of your our killed in the line of duty.
“Like everyone, every police officer has a story; every officer has hopes and dreams. Sadly, Officer Jamal Mitchell’s hopes and dreams ended with his life on Thursday.
“Jamal was just 36 years old, a father, son, fiancée, friend, and a member of the MPD since 2022.
“I am angry and deeply hurt by such a senseless and violent attack on Minneapolis’ Finest.
“I knew Jamal. I had the distinct honor of swearing in Jamal as a Minneapolis police officer. Shortly after hitting the street, I commended and honored him for running into a burning house in the 5th Precinct to rescue an elderly couple. He loved the job, he loved the MPD, and he was faithful to the oath her swore unto his death.
“Jamal was engaged to be married. Jamal died a hero, and like police officers in Minneapolis standing behind me here and everywhere, he was one of the few who dared to stand up and answer the call every single day. He died doing what we asked him to do for the rest of us.
“Jamal died doing what society asks all police officers to do. He did his job, and he was loyal to his oath until his death. There is no more honorable service one can provide.
“Investigators are working hard to determine the exact circumstances of how he was killed. We know he answered the call of a double shooting in the Whittier neighborhood. While rendering aid to an injured male, the injured male pulled a gun assassinated Officer Mitchel, and continued to shoot him after he fell to the ground. Arriving officers transported Officer Mitchel to Hennepin Healthcare where he later died.
“Responding officers exchanged gunfire with that gunman.
“A second MPD officer was injured and was treated and released from the hospital.
“One civilian was also killed, and two others were injured in this incident. The suspect is also deceased.
