Friday May 31, 2024
Jamal Mitchell. He was on the job just over a year. SUPPLIED
MINNEAPOLIS (HOL) – A mass shooting in South Minneapolis on Thursday evening left a 28-year-old Minneapolis police officer, two civilians, and the suspected shooter dead, marking the first shooting death of a Minneapolis police officer in the line of duty in over two decades. Another officer was critically wounded in the exchange of gunfire at an apartment complex in the Whittier neighborhood.
The incident began around 5:30 p.m. when officers responded to reports of shots fired at the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue South. According to the Minneapolis Police Department, upon their arrival, officers were met with immediate gunfire, leading to a chaotic scene with multiple victims.
Officer Jamal Mitchell, 28, identified by Mayor Jacob Frey, was among the first responders. Mitchell was previously recognized for his bravery in rescuing an elderly couple from a burning home in February 2023, just three days into his tenure with the department. Assistant Chief of Operations Katie Blackwell described Mitchell as "a wonderful human being" and "exceptional in every way."
The shooting unfolded in a series of harrowing events. Witnesses reported hearing a barrage of gunfire, with one witness, Reuben Molina, recounting how he heard shots and saw two men attempting to leave the scene. Molina's account, along with video footage from a nearby resident, depicted a chaotic scene where officers and civilians alike sought cover amid the gunfire.
A member of law enforcement embraces a person outside HCMC in Minneapolis on Thursday. AARON LAVINSKY, STAR TRIBUNE
At approximately 5:23 p.m., Cory Jones, a local resident, was biking when he heard gunshots and saw an officer down. His quick thinking led him to record the unfolding events, capturing critical moments as officers attempted to manage the situation.
Upon hearing that officers were down, a flood of uniformed and plainclothes officers rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in downtown Minneapolis. Emotional scenes unfolded as officers, including Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt, gathered to support each other. Mayor Jacob Frey also arrived, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with grieving officers.
The Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police confirmed Officer Mitchell's death. The critically wounded second officer, whose identity has not been released, is expected to recover.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his condolences via Twitter, stating, "Praying for all the first responders on the ground working to keep the community safe." Walz affirmed that the state would provide any necessary resources to assist in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Residents in the affected area were advised to avoid the vicinity of 22nd Street and Blaisdell Avenue as police continued their investigation. Some residents expressed frustration at being unable to return to their homes, with Artaesha McGraw voicing concerns about finding temporary shelter for her family.
Mitchell's death marks the second shooting fatality involving a Twin Cities police officer this year. In February, two officers and a medic were killed in Burnsville following a domestic abuse call that turned into an hours-long standoff.
Members of law enforcement stand at attention as the casket carrying the remains of a Minneapolis Police officer who was fatally shot earlier in the day is brought to a medical examiners vehicle outside the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis on Thursday, May 30..AARON LAVINSKY, STAR TRIBUNE