A Loring Park shooting erupted inside a downtown Minneapolis high‑rise on Wednesday morning, killing two civilians and the gunman while three police officers were injured.
Police received emergency calls just after 9 a.m. reporting an armed individual discharging a weapon on the fourth floor. Officers entered the building, located the suspect and engaged him in a brief gunfight. The shooter was found dead at the scene; his identity and motive have not been released.
Hospital officials confirmed that one civilian died at the scene and a second later succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment. Five civilians were injured, according to police, and three officers were taken to the hospital. Two officers sustained gunshot wounds—one to the leg and another to the torso and required surgery—while a third officer suffered a non‑life‑threatening injury. All three are expected to survive.
Governor Tim Walz addressed reporters, offering condolences to the victims’ families and pledging a review of emergency‑response protocols. FBI Director Kash Patel said federal agents are assisting the investigation but declined to comment on motive or any broader threat.
The Minneapolis Police Department’s spokesperson confirmed the casualty numbers and said the department will conduct a thorough review of its active‑shooter response procedures. The police union has called for additional training and equipment for officers who must operate in confined, high‑rise environments.
Local merchants expressed concern that the shooting could hurt foot traffic and rental demand in a district that has recently seen an influx of residents and businesses. Community leaders urged the city to expand mental‑health resources and to reconsider gun‑control measures, though no specific legislative proposals were announced.
City officials said a multi‑agency task force will convene within the week to examine communication gaps, building‑security standards and officer‑protection protocols. The task force is expected to deliver recommendations to the mayor and the governor by the end of the month.
As investigators piece together the sequence of events, families of the victims await answers about the shooter’s identity and the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The incident underscores the challenges first responders face when confronting gunfire in high‑rise structures and the need for concrete safeguards to protect both civilians and police officers.