ID'd Burnsville Shooter Was Not Allowed To Own Guns Under State Law

BURNSVILLE, MN — The Hennepin County Medical Examiner on Monday identified the man who shot and killed two police officers and a firefighter Sunday morning.

Shannon Gooden, 38, of Burnsville was killed in the shooting. Authorities have not yet confirmed the manner of his death. However, the Star Tribune reported that the shooter killed himself.

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.

Burnsville continues to mourn

The city has released the following information on the three first responders killed Sunday morning:

Elmstrand, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in August 2017 as a Community Service Officer. He was promoted to Officer in July 2019. He was part of the department’s mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard and field training unit.

Ruge, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in April 2020. He was part of the department's crisis negotiations team and was a physical evidence officer.

Finseth, 40, served as a Burnsville Firefighter/Paramedic since February 2019 and was part of the public safety team's SWAT unit and served as a water rescue trainer. He was also part of the City’s Health & Wellness Committee.

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 report of a domestic situation in which a man was reported to be armed and 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, who added Sgt. Adam Medlicott was taken to a hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

ALSO READ: Burnsville Sgt. Adam Medlicott Released From Hospital After Shooting

“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 the press 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.