Minneapolis authorities seek reason behind shootings resulting in two fatalities, including a policeman offering aid. This is what we currently understand.
A Minneapolis police officer named Jamal Mitchell, age 36, was tragically killed by a shooter who targeted him while he was providing assistance to injured people in the Whittier neighborhood. This heinous act claimed the life of the suspect as well. An additional officer was wounded, while three other civilians were discovered to have been shot, resulting in one death on the scene.
According to Chief Brian O'Hara of the Minneapolis Police Department, this tragic event is the worst experience a police chief could encounter.
Two individuals who had sustained injuries were transported to hospitals. A Minneapolis police officer and a firefighter both suffered non-fatal injuries and were later discharged from the hospital. One suspect was shot while inside a vehicle outside of an apartment, while another individual was discovered in an apartment, still in the hospital as of Friday afternoon.
The USA has indeed experienced at least 180 mass shootings in these first five months. The term "mass shooting" applies to any event where four or more individuals, not including the shooter, are shot. Regrettably, 136 officers have faced injury or death in the line of duty during the first four months of the year, with 20 fatally wounded.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his dismay at this situation on Thursday.
Here is the current state of understanding regarding the incident and the investigation:
Police Version of Events
A call came in at around 5:15 pm on Thursday to a Minneapolis apartment building about two individuals who had been shot. Upon arrival of the police officers, they were immediately shot at, with officers responding with returned fire.
As Mitchell moved towards the scene of the double shooting, he observed wounded individuals in need of medical attention. However, one of them was the shooter who would go on to kill Mitchell.
While aiding the injured male suspect, the suspect drew a weapon and shot Mitchell in rapid succession after he fell to the ground, according to a police statement from Friday. Mitchell was transported to a local hospital and subsequently passed away.
A witness, Reuben Molina, was watching TV with his girlfriend on the third floor of an apartment when he heard a "bang." Reuben recalled that the distinct gunshot sounds continued, prompting him and his girlfriend to leave the apartment. He mentioned that he saw "people shooting," but could not discern which individuals were the ones firing.
It seems that more than one officer may have engaged in a gunfire exchange with the suspect, as authorities have provided conflicting accounts.
"When officers arrived, they received gunfire immediately and they exchanged gunfire," Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell said. Meanwhile, a police department release from Friday states: "Responding officers exchanged gunfire with that gunman."
However, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans clarified that only one officer engaged in a shootout with the suspect. “A second officer, I should note, arrived shortly after officer Mitchell was injured and shot and exchanged gunfire with the subject at that time," Evans said.
We have contacted the Minneapolis Police Department and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for further clarification.
The Final Moments of Officer Mitchell
In his last moments, Mitchell was performing first aid on those who were injured. The individual he was assisting ultimately turned out to be the shooter who took his life.
One of the police's most recent arrivals, Mitchell was a brave new recruit with a heroic reputation. Just three days after being sworn into the police force, Mitchell and a fellow officer entered a burning house filled with smoke to rescue an elderly couple, demonstrating his fearlessness.
Mitchell was an exceptional officer who put others' safety above his own. "We're not trained to run into fires, but we are trained to put others' lives in front of ours," Mitchell told CNN.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey honored Mitchell's selflessness and courage, describing him as "a hero, a son, a father, a fiancé and an officer who is so deeply committed to protecting and serving." Frey also praised Mitchell for his willingness to charge towards danger while the rest of us may choose to run.
Even though Mitchell had served as an officer for less than two years, his actions spoke volumes about his dedication to the Minneapolis community. "We will honor his sacrifice. We will remember his name," Frey said.
Crime experts are gathering proof while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension collaborates with the Minneapolis police department to understand the events leading up to the shootings. Members of the force stated that they are still attempting to create a chronological account of the situation.
Investigators are aiming to uncover how Mitchell lost his life, as mentioned by O'Hara on Friday.
The names of the passed away culprit and civilian will be released by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, as well as the manner and cause of their respective deaths.
"More revelations will be unveiled in the days and weeks ahead," police declared in their recent public announcement on Friday.
"Specialists have swarmed the various locations," Evans said during Thursday's press briefing. "And we have plenty of agents in action, seeking to speak with eye witnesses, explore the area further, and gather more details."
CNN's Emma Tucker, Holly Yan, Jillian Sykes, and Sarah Dewberry aided in putting this article together.
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In light of this tragic incident, the Minneapolis community and the nation as a whole, including us, are deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Jamal Mitchell.
The recent events in Minneapolis have prompted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to express his concerns and offer his condolences, acknowledging the impact on the city and its citizens.
