Authorities in Cloquet, Minnesota, are still trying to determine the motive behind a shooting that left three people dead, including the suspected shooter. Cloquet Police Chief Derek Randall stated in a news conference on Tuesday that the investigation is ongoing and the motive for the shooting is still unclear. He also mentioned that there is no apparent threat to the public.
The incident occurred on Monday evening when an employee at a Super 8 motel called 911 after finding a female employee who had been attacked. Upon arrival, the police found a 22-year-old woman with a gunshot wound, who later succumbed to her injuries at a hospital. Additionally, a 35-year-old man was discovered in a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds, and a 32-year-old man was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound outside the hotel.
The police initially issued a shelter-in-place order and evacuated the hotel due to the active shooter situation. However, after reviewing surveillance footage and confirming the identity of the suspected shooter, the order was lifted.
Both Cloquet Mayor Roget Maki and Police Chief Randall commended the responders for their swift and efficient actions during the incident. Meanwhile, residents expressed shock and fear, highlighting the perceived safety of their community.
As the investigation unfolds, the identities of the victims and the shooter are expected to be released. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is providing assistance in the case.
The Super 8 hotel is situated in the 100 block of Big Lake Road, approximately 25 miles southwest of Duluth, Minnesota.