Burnsville, Minnesota – A year after the tragic shooting incident that claimed the lives of three Burnsville first responders, new developments have emerged regarding the acquisition of the firearms used in the attack. The perpetrator’s girlfriend has recently entered a guilty plea for purchasing the guns that were ultimately used in the violent incident.
The shooting, which occurred on February 18, resulted in the deaths of Burnsville police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, as well as firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth. The assailant, identified as 38-year-old Shannon Gooden, carried out the attack before taking his own life.
One notable detail that has come to light is that Gooden was prohibited from owning firearms due to a previous felony conviction. However, it was revealed that his girlfriend, Ashley Anne Dyrdahl, was involved in the acquisition of the weapons. Dyrdahl, aged 36, has now admitted guilt on two counts of straw purchasing during a recent court hearing, expressing remorse through her legal representative.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Dyrdahl is set to face sentencing in a separate hearing, with expectations pointing towards a potential 30-37 month sentence. The case sheds light on the consequences of purchasing firearms for individuals prohibited from owning them and the impact of such actions on public safety.
The tragic events of that fateful day in Burnsville serve as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need to prevent illicit access to firearms. The guilty plea entered by Dyrdahl signals a step towards accountability for her role in enabling the deadly attack that claimed the lives of three dedicated first responders.