Authorities in a neighbourhood in Burnsville, Minnesota, responded on Sunday (Feb 18) to a call of a “family in danger, which killed two police officers and a firefighter. Several others were injured.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said in an online post, “Horrific news from Burnsville. While responding to a call of a family in danger, two police officers and one firefighter lost their lives, and other officers were injured.”
“We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our police officers and first responders make every day. My heart is with their families today and the entire State of Minnesota stands with Burnsville,” Walz said.
The governor further added that flags would be flown at half-mast across Minnesota on Monday and the state Department of Public Safety is “coordinating with local law enforcement to conduct an investigation”.
However, there was some confusion whether the third deceased was a firefighter or a paramedic.
Local media reported that federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the scene where there have been reports of local police officers involved in a “domestic-related shooting”.
Burnsville Communications and Community Engagement Director Carissa Larsen told CNN on Sunday morning that there is an “active scene”.
It said on social media that it was responding to a scene in Burnsville “where there have been reports of officers involved in a domestic-related shooting”.
Minnesota Sen Amy Klobuchar posted on X that she was informed three officers were shot in Burnsville. Burnsville is a southern suburb of Minneapolis.
Klobuchar wrote, “Learned from police this morning that three officers have been shot in Burnsville. They were doing their jobs. They were protecting our community. John and I are praying for them and their families and the Burnsville P.D. this morning.”
The department posted on X asking the public, “Please keep Burnsville Police Dept in your prayers this morning.”
(With inputs from agencies)
