Three people were killed, including a Minneapolis police officer, a civilian and the gunman, in a mass shooting in Minneapolis that left others injured on Thursday evening, May 30, 2024, in Minneapolis’ Whittier neighborhood.
The incident took place near the intersection of 22nd Street and Blaisdell Avenue, a trendy area known for its art scene and restaurants.
The officer, identified as Jamal Mitchell, was responding to a report of a double shooting inside an apartment building when he was ambushed by the suspected gunman, 35-year-old Mustafa Ahmed Mohamed. Mohamed and another civilian, Osman Jimale, 32, were also killed in the incident, while a second police officer and a firefighter sustained injuries. Three other civilians were also injured.
The second officer engaged in a shootout with the suspect, resulting in the suspect’s death at the location. That officer also received gunshot wounds but received medical care at the hospital.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his condolences and support on X, stating, “Praying for all the first responders on the ground working to keep the community safe.” He added that the state is prepared to provide any necessary resources. The Minnesota State Patrol has been assisting local law enforcement in the aftermath of the shooting.
The Minneapolis Police Chief, Brian O’Hara, has stated that detectives are diligently trying to piece together the specific details surrounding the death of the officer. “He responded to a report of two people shot in the Whittier area. As he was providing assistance to one of the wounded men, that individual drew a firearm and fatally shot Officer Mitchell, even continuing to fire at him after he was down. Other officers who arrived at the scene quickly took Officer Mitchell to Hennepin Healthcare, where he succumbed to his injuries,” said O’Hara.
Eyewitnesses described seeing two men leaving the scene as gunshots rang out.
The Minneapolis Police Department has cordoned off the area and continues to investigate the incident. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and described a chaotic scene. Reuben Molina, a resident of the building, recounted his experience to local media, stating, “I could hear the bullets ricocheting and bouncing off stuff as I’m trying to get somebody to come inside to check on the people who were shot.” He added that he saw one wounded victim being taken away.
Officer Mitchell’s death marks the first shooting fatality of a Minneapolis police officer in the line of duty in more than 20 years. Colleagues and community members have described Mitchell as a dedicated officer and hero. Just three months earlier, he had been honored for rescuing an elderly couple from a house fire.
Back at the scene, police blocked off the area and instructed residents to remain indoors. Dozens of officers flocked to the Hennepin County Medical Center, where Mitchell was taken. Several were seen consoling each other outside the hospital. A procession of squad cars accompanied Mitchell’s body to the medical examiner’s office.
Governor Walz and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter have pledged support for the emergency responders and the community. Mayor Carter stated, “We are committed to supporting our brave first responders and ensuring they have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.”
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI and SWAT teams. They have not yet released further information about the suspect or the motive behind the shooting.
The Whittier neighborhood, home to the Minneapolis Institute of Art and known for its vibrant community, has been left in shock by the violence. Residents who were displaced by the incident waited behind police barricades to be allowed back into their homes. Many expressed fear and confusion about what had transpired.
Minnesota has seen a series of violent incidents involving police officers in recent months. In February, two officers and a firefighter-paramedic were killed while responding to a domestic violence call in Burnsville, a Minneapolis suburb. The rise in violence has raised concerns among law enforcement and city officials.
Officer Mitchell leaves behind a fiancee and a son.