BURNSVILLE, Minnesota – In a tragic event in Burnsville, two police officers and a paramedic were fatally shot early Sunday morning while responding to a call about an armed and barricaded man in a home with children. The community is in shock and mourning the loss of three public servants who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The officers were identified as Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27 years old, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, aged 40. Another officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, was injured and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The shooter is deceased, and there is no ongoing threat. But the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is conducting an investigation. The tragic incident unfolded after Burnsville police were called to the address on a report of a domestic situation involving an armed man barricaded with family members.
According to Drew Evans, the Superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the shooter had multiple guns, a significant amount of ammunition, and fired at first responders from various locations inside the house. Negotiations with the suspect took a considerable amount of time before the situation escalated into gunfire. The presence of young children in the home added to the intensity of the situation.
The death of the three public servants has deeply affected the community, with law enforcement and public safety families in mourning. Burnsville officials and Fire Chief BJ Jungmann described the fallen men as heroes who selflessly served their community.
The tragic event has sent ripples of grief across the state, prompting an outpouring of condolences from Minnesota’s political and law enforcement community. Governor Tim Walz has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in the state beginning Monday at sunrise to honor the fallen.
At an emotional late-afternoon press conference, Burnsville officials described the devastating impact of the loss on the community. The three officers were remembered for their bravery and dedication to keeping the residents of Minnesota safe.
As the investigation continues, residents are being asked to respect the privacy of the affected families and to avoid the area surrounding the incident. The city is reeling, and there are no words to truly capture the pain and sorrow that now engulfs Burnsville and its residents.
The entire community is grappling with the unimaginable tragedy of losing three of their own in the line of duty. The road to healing and recovery will undoubtedly be long and arduous, as the city mourns the irreplaceable loss of these courageous individuals.