Burnsville, Minnesota – Law enforcement recently uncovered that one of the guns used by Shannon Gooden in the tragic shooting that resulted in the deaths of two Burnsville police officers and a firefighter-paramedic was obtained through an illegal “straw purchase.” The gun shop owner revealed that the weapon, an AR-15 lower receiver, was purchased at a Burnsville gun shop just weeks before the deadly incident. This lower receiver is a crucial component of the assault-style rifle, housing the firearm’s serial number and connecting other parts to enable the weapon to function.
Gooden, who was convicted of second-degree assault in 2008 and subsequently lost his right to possess a firearm, attempted to regain this right in 2020, citing the need to protect himself and his family. Unfortunately, he used the illegally obtained gun to perpetrate the violent standoff that resulted in multiple casualties, including his own life. The gun shop owner stated that they had no knowledge that the firearm would end up in the possession of a prohibited individual like Gooden.
The tragic event has raised concerns about the loopholes in gun purchasing laws, particularly the practice of “straw purchasing,” where individuals with clean criminal records buy firearms on behalf of those prohibited from owning them. The person who acquired the firearm for Gooden is currently under investigation for committing a felony through this straw purchase. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has highlighted the issue of guns being stolen and ending up in the wrong hands across the country.
Authorities seized several firearms and a significant amount of ammunition from Gooden’s residence, where the shootings took place. The investigation into how Gooden illegally obtained these weapons and ammunition is ongoing. The deadly standoff, which began in response to a call about an alleged sexual assault, has left the community reeling and mourning the loss of the fallen officers and firefighter-paramedic.
A memorial service is scheduled to honor the lives of the victims, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and pay their respects. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. A procession will follow the memorial, offering a chance for the public to show their support and solidarity for the fallen first responders. As the investigation continues, questions remain about the events leading up to the tragic incident and the need for stricter gun control measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.