MN Flags To Fly At Half-Staff For Fargo Cop From Twin Cities Metro

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at state buildings in honor and remembrance of Minnesota National Guard Sergeant and Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin.

The order is effective immediately and will last until sunset on July 22.

Wallin, 23, grew up in St. Michael. He was shot and killed on a busy Fargo street Friday after responding to a traffic accident.

"Sergeant Jake Wallin was a dedicated member of the Minnesota National Guard and the Fargo Police Department who was respected by his family, friends, and colleagues," reads the proclamation issued by Walz.

"With its deepest gratitude, the State of Minnesota recognizes Sergeant Wallin for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow Minnesotans and North Dakotans, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community."

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

Wallin was killed when Mohamad Barakat fired at him, other officers, and firefighters "for no reason," Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski said in a news conference Saturday.

Barakat did not hit any firefighters but a fire truck was struck by gunfire, according to investigators.

Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes were wounded in the shooting. Meanwhile, Officer Zach Robinson shot and killed Barakat, the chief said. Barakat was from Fargo.

Police and firefighters were investigating a "routine" traffic crash on a congested Fargo street when Barakat began shooting at them, according to authorities. Barakat was not involved in the car crash, Zibolski said.

Wallin was in the field for officer training when he was shot and killed. He had become a Fargo police officer less than three months ago.

Previously, Wallin served in the Minnesota Army National Guard and was deployed to Afghanistan.

"He served his country, came back here and wanted nothing more but to serve in a position with purpose and meaning – his exact words — and he did that," Zibolski said.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.