BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Three first responders lost their lives while answering a call for assistance in Burnsville, Minnesota, on Sunday, according to Governor Tim Walz. Officers Paul Elmstrand, 27, and Matthew Ruge, 27, along with firefighter and paramedic Adam Finseth, 40, were identified as the victims by the city of Burnsville. Another officer, Adam Medlicott, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital.
Authorities were summoned to a residence at 1:50 a.m. local time due to reports of an armed man barricaded inside with family members. The city later confirmed the suspect was deceased, and the other family members were able to leave the home safely.
Burnsville city officials announced they would hold a press conference Sunday afternoon to address the tragic events. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reported on social media that they were responding to a domestic-related shooting involving officers in Burnsville.
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar expressed her prayers for the injured officers and their families, urging the community to stay united during this difficult time. The city of Golden Valley and the West St. Paul police departments also extended their condolences on social media, acknowledging the loss of two officers and a paramedic in the incident.
As news of the tragedy spread, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called on the public to keep the Burnsville Police Department in their thoughts and prayers. State Representative Jim Nash also shared his sympathies and a heavy heart for the families of the fallen officers and the entire Burnsville community.
Burnsville, a suburb south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, is home to over 64,000 residents. The city’s website describes it as the ninth largest suburb in the metro area. The tragic events have undoubtedly left a mark on the close-knit community, and the impact will be felt for a long time to come.