MN Gunman Took Own Life After Killing 2 Officers, Firefighter: County

BURNSVILLE, MN — A Burnsville man took his own life after shooting and killing two police officers and a firefighter on Sunday.

Shannon Cortez Gooden, 38, fatally shot himself in the head, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.

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Gooden lost his right to own a gun due to a 2007 felony assault conviction. He petitioned to have his gun rights restored in 2020 but was unsuccessful.

The gunman was dead as of Sunday morning, according to authorities, who noted there were seven children ages 2-15 in the home at the time of the shooting.

Police were called at 1:50 a.m. Sunday to the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South for a domestic incident in which an armed man was barricaded with family, authorities said. After their arrival, the situation escalated into gunfire, with Elmstrand, Ruge, and Finseth killed by the gunman during the response, according to officials. Sgt. Adam Medlicott was taken to a hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

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“This is the toughest day that the city of Burnsville and our public safety family has ever experienced,” an emotional Fire Chief BJ Jungmann said at a news conference. “It’s a tragic day. We’re all grieving and we’re all trying to understand what happened and why.”

Gov. Tim Walz Sunday night ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings starting sunrise on Monday, Feb. 19.

"We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our first responders make each and every day," Walz said in a statement.

"It is with deepest gratitude that the State of Minnesota recognizes Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter Adam Finseth for their dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, their fellow Minnesotans. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and community."

Minnesota residents and businesses are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags.