In a tragic turn of events, two police officers and a paramedic were shot and killed in Burnsville, Minnesota, on Sunday morning. The incident occurred as officers were called to a home just before 2 a.m. where they encountered an armed suspect. In a lengthy negotiation, the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Shannon Gooden, opened fire, killing the officers and paramedic. Gooden also died, reportedly by suicide. The victims have been identified as officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth. Another officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, was also shot but is expected to survive. The Burnsville community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss. Superintendent Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension stated that the details surrounding the encounter are still under investigation, but several officers returned fire as the suspect was heavily armed.
Officer Elmstrand, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in 2017, and his wife spoke about his sacrifice, describing him as a hero who had to do what he thought was right. Officer Ruge, also 27, had just joined the force in 2020 and was known for his dedication and services as a physical evidence officer and part of the crisis negotiations team. Paramedic Finseth, 40, was a veteran and a dedicated member of the city’s fire department. Burnsville Fire Chief B.J. Jungmann described the incident as the toughest day the city has ever experienced.
The tragic event has shaken the community, leading to an outpouring of support from law enforcement agencies, state leaders, and community members. Governor Tim Walz ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen officers. A vigil was held outside of Burnsville City Hall to pay respects to the victims, with Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Angie Craig joining to offer their condolences. Additionally, a vigil for the victims was held in Jordan, where the funeral details are expected to be announced soon.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks that first responders face every day. It also highlights the prevalence of domestic violence and the need for suicide prevention resources. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For more mental health care resources and support, you can reach the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org. For anonymous domestic violence support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224.
The Burnsville community will need time to grieve and heal from this tragedy, but the support and condolences they have received from so many have shown the strong community bonds in the face of such heartbreak. The memory of the officers and paramedic who made the ultimate sacrifice will forever be honored and cherished as Burnsville navigates this difficult time.
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