BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA – A public memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 28 in honor of the three first responders who tragically lost their lives on Sunday. Burnsville police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, along with firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, were fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call. The community will come together at Grace Church in Eden Prairie to pay their respects to these brave individuals.
The incident unfolded as 38-year-old Shannon Gooden barricaded himself inside a house with seven children, resulting in a standoff with law enforcement. After hours of negotiations, Gooden opened fire on the first responders before taking his own life. Burnsville police Sgt. Adam Medlicott, who was also injured during the incident, has been treated at Hennepin Healthcare’s hospital and released to recover at home.
Court records revealed that Gooden had been prohibited from possessing firearms following a 2007 felony assault conviction. This tragic event has left the community in mourning and raised questions about the adequacy of existing regulations to prevent individuals with a history of violence from accessing firearms.
The loss of these three dedicated first responders has deeply impacted the Burnsville community, with an outpouring of support and condolences from residents. Mourners have gathered outside Burnsville City Hall, leaving flowers and other heartfelt offerings to honor the memory of the fallen heroes. This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the risks that first responders face in the line of duty, and the importance of implementing measures to ensure their safety while serving and protecting the community.