A desperate call for help from a home in suburban Minneapolis turned deadly for two police officers and a first responder who were shot and killed at the scene, according to officials.
The affluent suburban neighbourhood in Burnsville, Minnesota, was ringed with police cars that kept the press and public away from the scene where the shootings took place on Sunday.
The deaths of the two Burnsville police officers and the first responder were confirmed by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.
“We are heartbroken. Our law enforcement community is heartbroken. We’re just devastated at the horrific loss,” Brian Peters, executive director of the association that represents public safety professionals in the state, said in a statement.
A police armoured vehicle parked nearby had bullet damage to its windscreen, but there was no confirmation on whether that was the result of the incident.
Minnesota governor Tim Walz wrote on social media that other officers were injured in the incident.
“We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our police officers and first responders make every day,” he said. “My heart is with their families today and the entire state of Minnesota stands with Burnsville.”
No other details were immediately released about what led to the shooting in a tree-lined neighbourhood with two-storey homes. In its aftermath, the street was lined with Swat vehicles, police cars, firefighters and ambulances.
Other law enforcement agencies posted messages of condolence on social media, including images of badges with blue bars through them, as a mark of solidarity in mourning.
Law Enforcement Labour Services, which represents rank-and-file officers and the supervisors of Burnsville Police Department, said its “thoughts and prayers are with the family of the officers and first responder”.
The organisation’s executive director, Jim Mortenson, added: “These officers were struck down while answering the call of duty to serve and protect. We mourn alongside the Burnsville community and the families of those killed.”
Democratic representative Angie Craig said in a statement that she had been in touch with the mayor, police chief and state officials to offer any federal resources needed.
“Today serves as another solemn reminder that those who protect our communities do so at great personal risk,” she said.
Burnsville, a city of around 64,000, is about 15 miles south of central Minneapolis.
