BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Authorities have identified the man who fatally shot two police officers and a firefighter in Burnsville, Minnesota. The shooter, Shannon Gooden, 38, was also reported to have taken his own life. Gooden had lost his right to own a gun due to a felony assault conviction in 2007 and was unsuccessful in petitioning to have his gun rights restored in 2020. The tragic incident has left the city of Burnsville mourning the loss of their first responders.
The three first responders killed in the shooting were Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter Adam Finseth. Elmstrand had been with the Burnsville Police Department since 2017, Ruge joined the department in 2020, and Finseth had served as a firefighter/paramedic since 2019. The three individuals were highly involved in various aspects of the public safety community and were deeply respected by their colleagues.
The shooting took place in the early hours of the morning when police responded to a report of a domestic situation involving an armed man barricaded with his family. The situation quickly escalated into gunfire, resulting in the tragic loss of Elmstrand, Ruge, and Finseth. Another officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The city of Burnsville is reeling from the devastating loss of the three first responders, with Fire Chief BJ Jungmann expressing the deep grief felt by the public safety family and the entire community. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff in honor of the fallen officers and firefighter, recognizing their dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice. The state encourages residents and businesses to join in lowering their flags to honor the bravery and sacrifices made by first responders.
The tragic shooting in Burnsville has brought profound sorrow to the community and serves as a stark reminder of the risks that first responders face in the line of duty. As the city mourns the loss of these brave individuals, there is an outpouring of support and gratitude for their unwavering dedication to public safety.