| Last night, 5th Precinct Officer Jamal Mitchell was shot and killed in the line of duty. I had a chance to speak with Assistant Chief Blackwell, Sheriff Witt, and others in law enforcement as I went to City Hall to show our community's support for the victims of the violence surrounding what is being referred to as a police ambush by both the BCA and Governor Walz.
The entire 13th Ward is serviced by officers from the 5th Precinct. Just a few weeks ago, I attended the precinct’s open house to thank these officers for their dedication to our community. First responders put their lives on the line every single day. I am extremely grateful for the heroic response from these officers, especially Officer Mitchell. I learned from those who knew him what a selfless and caring individual he was.
Our community mourns this loss and wraps our arms around those whose lives are forever changed by last night’s tragic events. And we owe these officers more than thoughts and prayers. We must all work to end gun violence in our community. Like Governor Walz said, we as a governing body have a responsibility to provide the resources and support necessary to do this job, and come home safely afterward. I am very committed to that and will continue to do so through my actions, my legislative efforts, and my votes on your behalf.
The following include additional statements and information that we know so far. Three people total, including Officer Mitchell, died in the shooting. Four people were wounded but alive, including a second police officer and a firefighter. A memorial service for Officer Mitchell is being planned with his family. This is an active and complex investigation and it is being handled by the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. We don’t yet know much more about the others involved, but anticipate an update from the BCA on Monday.
Chief O’Hara came right to the 5th Precinct after returning immediately last night to Minneapolis from an out-of-town conference, and has been at roll calls across the city to speak with our officers since late last night. In the meantime, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Mayor Jacob Frey, MPD Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell and Assistant Chief Christoper Gaiters and city council members gave a press conference late Thursday night where they honored the service of Officer Mitchell.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the incredibly tragic and deeply troubling news that we have lost one of our own. There are no words to appropriately describe this tragedy, and my thoughts are with his family at this time,” MPD Chief O’Hara said. “Jamal lived a life of purpose and make no mistake; Jamal made a difference in other people’s lives. That’s what cops do. I am angry and I am hurt by an attack on our officers, but this is a tragedy I was praying we would not have to face. As police officers, we know dying in the line of duty is always a possibility, but the harsh reality hurts very deeply when it happens.”
The following information was provided to me as preliminary and subject to change:
At approximately 5:15 pm on May 30, 2024, MPD received a call of two people shot inside an apartment on the 2200 block of Blaisdell Ave. S. Police officers from MPD’s Fifth Precinct responded and the suspected shooter opened fire on the officers. MPD officers exchanged fire with the suspect, and two officers and the suspect were injured during the gunfight. The suspected shooter died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts. One officer sustained an apparent non-life-threatening injury, and another received life-threating injuries. Both officers were transported to the county’s medical center (Hennepin Healthcare). One officer was treated and released. The second officer, identified as Officer Mitchell, died of his injuries at the hospital.
Officers searching the apartment building located two individuals, who may have been residents of the building, apparently injured by gunfire. One of these individuals, an adult, was found deceased in the apartment. The other individual, also an adult, was transported to Hennepin Healthcare with life-threatening injuries.
Outside the apartment, another adult male was found shot while in his vehicle. He was transported to Hennepin Healthcare with life-threatening injuries. A Minneapolis firefighter also received a non-life-threatening injury during the incident. They were taken to the hospital where they were treated and released.
Forensic scientists from the Minneapolis Police Forensic Division responded to process the scene and collect evidence. Homicide detectives responded to begin an investigation.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) investigators are working with MPD investigators to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting deaths.
More information will be provided about the incident as the investigation continues. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner will release the names of the other deceased individuals, and the cause and nature of their deaths. |
