Burnsville, Minnesota – A tragic incident unfolded in a quiet Minneapolis suburb on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two police officers and a firefighter paramedic. The shooter, identified as Shannon Gooden, had a history of violence and was already prohibited from owning firearms, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Gooden, 38, opened fire on first responders in Burnsville during a domestic disturbance call with the mother of his three oldest children. The violent encounter left Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27, as well as firefighter paramedic Adam Finseth, 40, dead. Sergeant Adam Medlicott was also wounded in the attack. Gooden was later found dead in the home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The deadly standoff took place with seven children aged 2 to 15 inside the home. Gooden, who had a history of legal issues, including pleading guilty to second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon in 2008, had his right to possess guns revoked in Minnesota. Despite attempting to have his gun rights restored in 2020, his petition was denied.
Court documents revealed escalating disputes between Gooden and the mother of his children, Noemi Torres, over custody and financial support. The incident occurred just days before a scheduled court hearing concerning their children.
Torres recounted the harrowing experience of Gooden threatening to harm police if anyone called 911 during the standoff. The tragic event shook the community and left many questions unanswered about the root causes of the violent outburst.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the families of the victims and the community are left grappling with the aftermath of the senseless violence. Gooden’s troubled past and the events leading up to the deadly encounter shed light on the complexities of domestic disputes and gun violence in society.