Minneapolis officials on Blaisdell mass shooting, officer killed
A Minneapolis police officer and the suspected shooter were killed in a mass shooting in the city on Thursday.
According to officials, the shooting happened at an apartment building on Thursday afternoon along Blaisdell Avenue near 22nd Street and left six people shot, including two police officers and four civilians.
Among the dead were a Minneapolis police officer, one civilian, and the suspected gunman.
Authorities say the gunman and the people inside the apartment are believed to be acquainted with each other. Authorities also say they believe they know who the suspect is.
In a late-night news conference, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey identified the officer killed as Officer Jamal Mitchell.
FOX 9 previously reported on Officer Mitchell in 2023 when, just days on the job, Mitchell ran into a burning home to rescue an elderly couple.
Authorities say Officer Mitchell responded to a 911 call for a shooting along Blaisdell Avenue on Thursday afternoon when he was shot.
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As of 8:30 p.m., city officials said there was no ongoing threat to the public after the shooting, but they are asking residents to avoid the area as the investigation continues. Gov. Tim Walz says the Minnesota State Patrol is helping local police with the situation. ATF agents are also assisting with the situation.
Away from the scene, first responders also gathered at Hennepin County Medical Center where the two officers were transported.
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Officer Schmidt was also killed on Blaisdell Avenue while responding to a report of a woman with a gun at a public housing complex.
In a late-night news conference, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara addressed the shooting of Jamal Mitchell.
“I knew Jamal. I had the distinct honor of swearing in Jamal as a Minneapolis police officer. Shortly after hitting the street, I commended and honored him for running into a burning house in the 5th Precinct to rescue an elderly couple. He loved the job, he loved the MPD, and he was faithful to the oath he swore unto his death,” O’Hara said in a statement.
Here’s O’Hara’s full statement on the shooting:
“Like everyone, every police officer has a story; every officer has hopes and dreams. Sadly, Officer Jamal Mitchell’s hopes and dreams ended with his life on Thursday.
“I am angry and deeply hurt by such a senseless and violent attack on Minneapolis’ Finest.
“Jamal was engaged to be married. Jamal died a hero, and like police officers in Minneapolis standing behind me here and everywhere, he was one of the few who have the courage to stand up and answer the call every single day. He died doing what we asked him to do for the rest of us.
“Investigators are working hard to determine the exact circumstances of how he was killed. We know he answered the call of a double shooting in the Whittier neighborhood. While rendering aid to an injured male, the injured male pulled a gun and assassinated Officer Mitchel and continued to shoot him after he fell to the ground. Arriving officers transported Officer Mitchel to Hennepin Healthcare where he later died.
“A second MPD officer was injured and was treated and released from the hospital.
“More details will emerge in the coming days and weeks, but I am asking residents of Minneapolis and Minnesota to keep Jamal’s friends and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. He had a fiancé with big plans – and a full life ahead.
“This profession is different. As police officers, we know dying in the line of duty is always a possibility but the harsh reality hurts very deeply when it happens.
“Most importantly, I ask that you keep Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell and his family in your prayers.”
