Shooting Kills Eagan Firefighter Sunday Morning In Minneapolis

EAGAN, MN — An Eagan firefighter was shot and killed in Minneapolis early Sunday morning. There have been no arrests tied to the shooting.

The city of Eagan identified the firefighter as Joseph C. Johns, who began his service with the Eagan Fire Department as a firefighter on Jan. 13, 2020.

Johns "was not only a dedicated career firefighter with the Eagan Fire Department but also actively served as a duty-crew firefighter with the Eden Prairie Fire Department," the city said in a statement.

Johns' volunteer commitment started with the Eden Prairie Fire Department on Sept. 2, 2015.

"We are grateful for everyone’s kindness, patience, and empathy as we navigate this moment of profound loss," the city added.

"We also want to acknowledge the invaluable support from neighboring departments in Burnsville and Inver Grove Heights, who are assisting with calls during this difficult time. Our hearts are with both Joseph’s family and our fire family."

According to Minneapolis police, at about 12:40 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to a call of a shooting with two people injured on the 900 Block of Cedar Ave S.

At the scene, officers identified a man in his 40s with potentially life-threatening gunshot wounds in the parking lot behind 901 Cedar Ave S. The man — later identified as Johns — was transported to Hennepin Healthcare, where he later died.

A second man with apparent non-life-threatening injuries arrived at HCMC in a passenger vehicle, police said.

"Preliminary information indicates shots were fired across 9th St. at a group of people gathered in a parking lot behind 901 Cedar Ave. South," the police department said. "Investigators say an exchange of gunfire then occurred."

Anyone with information is urged to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).