A police officer was killed during a Minneapolis shooting is remembered for heroic actions

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Flags were at half-staff throughout Minnesota this Friday just a few days following the death of an Minneapolis Police officer died shot dead in the course of responding to a 911 request.

The officer Jamal Mitchell was one of three persons who were killed by gunfire during incident shooting incident that occurred within Minneapolis’ Whittier neighborhood late Thursday night. The suspect who was suspected of shooting was also among the dead. There were at least four others including a police officer and a firefighter were wounded.

Mitchell has become the only MPD officer killed while on duty for over 20 years. When he spoke to reporters late Thursday evening assistant Minneapolis Police Chief Katie Blackwell stated that Mitchell was a star officer.

“He was courageous in every action that he did,” Blackwell stated. “He was a remarkable human being. He had been with our department for about one year and a half and was absolutely outstanding in every aspect.”

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Mitchell established his name at the beginning of his tenure in the department. In the month of February in 2023, only two days of work, he was recognized as a hero for helping an elderly couple get out of an engulfed house in Minneapolis.

“He was a hero, a son, a father, a fiance, and an officer who was so deeply committed to protecting and serving he would run towards danger when the rest of us would run in the other direction,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said.

Mitchell was one of the members of the emergency and police services who rushed to the scene of a double shooting at 22nd Street and Blaisdell Avenue shortly after 5 p.m. The chaotic scene stretched across several blocks, and police confirmed Thursday night that they were working to find out what took place.

Based on Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Director Drew Evans, Mitchell found an injured man within a block of the apartment, and he stopped to assist. Mitchell received a gunshot and was “ambushed” and shot while trying to provide medical assistance according to investigators.

The officers fired back. The suspect was wounded and later died at the scene The name of the person who died has not been released.

In the house where police were initially summoned to, police found two victims who were shot. One of them was declared dead on the spot; another was taken to the hospital for life-threatening wounds. In the vicinity, emergency personnel discovered a man suffering from life-threatening injuries inside a car and took them to a hospital.

Another police officer and firefighter were wounded in the shooting. Both were treated in the hospital, and were released over night.

Evans claimed that the authorities believe they have a clue as to whom the person who is suspected of being responsible, and they will announce more details soon. At the time of writing this report officials announced that there had been no arrests related to the shooting. The officials also noted that there was no danger to the public.

Police shut down several areas along Blaisdell Avenue, running from Franklin Avenue to 24th Street following the shooting incident on Thursday night. Along with firefighters and police and firefighters, police, firefighters and the FBI, Minnesota BCA and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office were among the other agencies that intervened. Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives St. Paul Field Division announced that agents from the division also attended the incident.

Gov. Tim Walz ordered flags to fly at half-staff in memory of Mitchell. In a press conference on Thursday evening, Walz gave his condolences to the family of Mitchell and thanked the first responders.

“It’s a really hard job, and it’s really hard with lots of guns on the street,” Walz stated. “Their families need to be assured that they’ll be home soon. Sincere condolences, and a total commitment that this will not be the norm.”

Thursday’s shooting was only the second incident in Minnesota this year to take one of the victims as a first-responder. Burnsville police officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth were killed in February while responding to a domestic violence call.

Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association Executive Director Brian Peters said Mitchell’s service will be remembered.

“The law enforcement community is devastated and mourning,” Peters stated. “This officer displayed an unmatched level of dedication, courage and a commitment to the defense of the people. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family members, his friends and colleagues as they navigate through this extremely difficult time.”

The Minnesota BCA and the Minneapolis Police Department continue to investigate the investigation. In the meantime, Hennepin County Medical Examiner will disclose the names of others who have died.