Slain Minneapolis police officer identified as Jamal Mitchell, BCA says he was 'ambushed' (2024)

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minneapolis police officer has died following a shooting involving multiple victims on Blaisdell Avenue in the Whittier neighborhood Thursday evening.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey confirmed in a press conference that Officer Jamal Mitchell was killed in the shooting, saying the city "lost a hero."

"This officer gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect and save the lives of others," said Frey during the press conference. "His service and his name will forever be remembered in the city of Minneapolis."

Minneapolis Police said officers were responding to a report of a shooting in an apartment building on the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue around 5:15 p.m. Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Superintendent Drew Evans told reporters that two men were shot inside the apartment — one died at the scene while the other was transported to the hospital and is reported in "grave" condition. Evans also confirmed that the suspected shooter died.

A total of four people, including one of the men inside the apartment, were injured in the incident. MPD Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell said one of those hurt was a firefighter while another was an MPD officer.

The BCA said the officers were "ambushed" while responding. Evans explained to reporters that Officer Mitchell got out of his vehicle after he noticed people approximately two blocks from the reported shooting scene who were injured. While he was attempting to provide medical assistance, Evans said, Mitchell was ambushed. He told reporters he viewed video of the shooting, describing it as a close encounter. The superintendent did not share a specific sequence of events that led to Mitchell's death.

Law enforcement officials didn't provide a clear outline of exactly how the mass shooting unfolded, but the BCA said additional details will be released in the coming days.

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) said in a news release that Mitchell was 28 years old. He was one of two Minneapolis officers who received special recognition last year after helping to rescue an elderly couple from their burning home.

MPPOA offered its condolences and praised the fallen officer's bravery in a statement.

“The law enforcement community is devastated and mourning," MPPOA Executive Director Brian Peters wrote in a statement. "Once again, a police officer bravely faced danger and tragically lost his life protecting the community. This officer exemplified unmatched dedication, bravery, and service in defense of the public. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow officers as they navigate through this incredibly challenging time. The officer's unwavering commitment to safeguarding others will leave a legacy of service that will always be remembered. We collectively mourn this significant loss and stand in solidarity to support the Minneapolis Police Department.”

Gov. Tim Walz said the Minnesota State Patrol responded to the scene and was assisting MPD. He promised to provide additional state resources if they are necessary.

"Praying for all the first responders on the ground working to keep the community safe," Walz wrote on X.

"This is a really hard job, and it's really hard with lots of guns on the street," Walz added at the news conference. "And it's really hard if those folks can't feel us unified behind them to make sure that we're providing everything we can to make sure that they get what they need to do their job — to protect all of us and to protect themselves. Their families deserve to know they're coming home."

U.S. Sen. Tina Smith called the news "tragic" in a post on X.

"Tragic news that a MPD officer has been killed, and another critically wounded tonight in South Minneapolis," Sen. Smith wrote. "We are praying for the emergency responders and everyone in the community tonight, working to keep us safe."

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar added her prayers for those killed and injured in Thursday's shooting.

"Devastated to learn about the MPD officer killed and another critically injured this evening as they were working to keep our community safe," Sen. Klobuchar wrote on X. "John and I are praying for both their families and all those impacted by this tragedy."

The Minnesota Sheriff's Association offered its condolences in a Facebook post and said, "This must stop."

Across the river in St. Paul, Mayor Melvin Carter posted on social media that St. Paul is "deeply saddened by the tragic shooting" and was lending officers to assist MPD, including outside Target Center for the NBA Playoffs.

This is a developing story. Stay with KARE 11 for more details.

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