Minneapolis: At least two people have been killed, and several others wounded, including three police officers, after a gunman opened fire at an apartment building in downtown Minneapolis, authorities said.
Minneapolis police responded to reports of a shooting at a high-rise apartment building shortly after 4:30pm local time. Officers entered the building and found several victims inside, according to police spokesman Garret Parten.
One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while four others were transported to hospital. One of those injured later died, bringing the confirmed death toll to two. Three police officers were also taken to hospital following the incident. Two officers sustained gunshot wounds, while the third officer was injured in circumstances that were not immediately disclosed. All three were reported to be in stable condition at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Police said the suspected gunman also died following the shooting. However, authorities have not yet determined how the suspect died. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigators have not released further information about the identities or conditions of the other victims.
Footage shared on social media showed heavily armed police officers surrounding and aiming weapons towards an apartment building near the Minneapolis Convention Center as emergency responders worked at the scene.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz thanked law enforcement and emergency personnel for responding to the incident and said state officials were assisting local authorities. Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth also expressed condolences to those affected, describing the incident as a ‘heinous crime’.
The Minneapolis shooting occurred on the same day as another shooting at Westwood Hills Elementary School in Waynesboro, Virginia. Authorities said a 19-year-old gunman entered the school by force, shot and wounded a staff member and later died by suicide.
The latest incidents also come days after shootings in Chicago, Illinois, and Trenton, New Jersey. Those attacks left at least three people dead and 18 others injured, according to authorities.
Investigation underway
Authorities in Minneapolis are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the suspect’s death and the motive behind the attack. Further details are expected as investigators gather evidence and speak with witnesses.
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