Cloquet, Minnesota — A tragic incident unfolded on Monday night at a Super 8 hotel, resulting in two people being shot and killed, and the shooter found dead as well, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.
The chain of events began when an employee at the hotel called 911 to report that a co-worker appeared to have been attacked. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 22-year-old woman with a gunshot wound, who later succumbed to her injuries at St. Luke’s Hospital.
Further investigation led to the discovery of a 35-year-old man inside a car in the hotel parking lot, also deceased from a gunshot wound. Police later found a 32-year-old man outside the hotel property, who appeared to have taken his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Surveillance video confirmed his identity as the shooter.
The motive for the shootings remains unclear, and authorities have not established any connection between the suspect and the victims. Despite the tragic events, the police department assured the public that there is no further threat to the community.
Authorities have scheduled a news conference for Tuesday at Cloquet City Hall, where they plan to release more information. The identities of the deceased will not be disclosed until their families have been notified.
The incident prompted an “active shooter” warning, urging residents to avoid the area near the hotel and seek shelter. Several law enforcement agencies and emergency response teams assisted with the situation, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his condolences for the victims. Nearby businesses closed early as a precaution, and the community has been left to grapple with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence.