2 Officers, Firefighter Killed By Barricaded Burnsville Gunman: Police

BURNSVILLE, MN — The deaths of two police officers and a firefighter at the hands of a barricaded gunman in Burnsville sent a shockwave of grief through the law enforcement community Sunday, authorities said.

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Burnsville officials identified the victims as Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27, and firefighter and paramedic Adam Finseth, 40, who was at the scene as part of a SWAT team.

“Today three members of our team made the ultimate sacrifice for this community. They are heroes,” Police Chief Tanya Schwartz, who was visibly emotional, said during a press conference streamed live Sunday afternoon by KMSP.

“Every day we want them to go home to their families. Every day we pray that they go home to their families. And today, that’s not happening.”

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.

“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.”

Officers negotiated with the shooter, who fired from the upper level and main floor of the home, said Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, at the press conference. The man had several guns and large amounts of ammunition, according to Evans, whose agency is investigating.

The probe is in the early stages and authorities don't yet know the exact exchange of gunfire, Evans said, although he noted several officers did return fire. At least one of the victims was inside the home when he was shot, according to Evans.

Gunfire erupted around 5:30 a.m. following an hours-long standoff, the Star Tribune reported. The newspaper also reported a woman was in the home along with the gunman and children.

Investigators will take into account body cameras, other video footage and interviews as they examine the case, Evans said.

A resident made the call for help to emergency personnel, according to Evans, who said authorities have not received many previous calls for service at the home.

The suspect was reported to be dead around 8 a.m., authorities said, noting that the other family members left the home later Sunday morning and are safe. The shooter took his own life, according to the Star Tribune, citing law enforcement sources.

Evans said officials believe they know the gunman's identity but that they are awaiting the medical examiner's confirmation. An autopsy is set for Monday, he said.

A vigil was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Burnsville City Hall.

"Today, the families of these public servants received the call they knew was possible but hoped would never come," Gov. Tim Walz said in a prepared statement. "My heart is with those grieving families — the State of Minnesota stands ready to support in any way we can. This is a tragic loss for our state.”

Elmstrand joined the Burnsville Police Department in August 2017 as a community service officer, according to the city. He was promoted to officer in July 2019 and was part of the mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard and field training unit. Ruge joined the department in April 2020 and was part of the crisis negotiations team as well as a physical evidence officer. Finseth has been a Burnsville firefighter and paramedic since February 2019.

Schwartz said the community is "heartbroken" and asked for prayers. Jungmann referred residents to burnsvillemn.gov/communityupdates for information on how to support the victims' families and developments on the case.

“I’m horrified to see this kind of violence in our community," U.S. Rep. Angie Craig said in a prepared statement, noting she had been in touch with the White House about available federal resources. "Today serves as another solemn reminder that those who protect our communities do so at great personal risk. We must do everything in our power to prevent tragedies like these before they happen and hold violent criminals accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Law enforcement agencies immediately began posting messages of condolence on social media, including images of badges with blue bars through them. It is a mark of solidarity in mourning.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.