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'Ambushed' officer and victim died from 'multiple gunshot wounds' in Minneapolis shooting

Four others were injured Thursday afternoon as officers responded to reports of gunfire on the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue.

MINNEAPOLIS — The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office is providing additional details about Thursday's shooting that left three people dead, including a Minneapolis police officer.

A press release from the Medical Examiner's Office on Friday said Minneapolis officer Jamal Mitchell died from "multiple gunshot wounds" and listed the manner of death as "homicide." 

A second person killed in the shooting was identified as 32-year-old Osman Said Jimale of Minneapolis; the medical examiner said Jimale also died of "multiple gunshot wounds" in a "homicide."

The suspected shooter also died. Their identity and manner of death was not formally released as of Friday evening.

Minneapolis Police said officers were responding to a report of a shooting in an apartment building on the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue in the Whittier neighborhood around 5:15 p.m. Thursday when the situation escalated. 

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) said the officers were "ambushed" while responding. BCA Superintendent Drew 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. Evans told reporters he viewed video of the shooting, describing it as a close encounter.

The medical examiner said Jimale died inside the apartment. Mitchell was shot outside, and later died at the Hennepin Healthcare ER, according to Friday's press release.

The BCA said four people were injured: one in the apartment, one officer, one firefighter, and a bystander in a vehicle in the neighborhood. The BCA said the firefighter was treated and released but the others remained hospitalized as of Friday afternoon.

The identities of the other victims have not been released.

The BCA has confirmed two officers fired their weapons. 

Credit: KARE

At a news conference on Thursday night just hours after the shooting, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called Officer Mitchell a "hero."

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

Minneapolis police said Mitchell was 36 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.

Credit: Minneapolis Police Department
Officer Jamal Mitchell

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."

Our thoughts and condolences are with the Minneapolis PD and the family, friends and colleagues of the officer who lost...

Posted by Minnesota Sheriffs' Association on Thursday, May 30, 2024

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.

Additional law enforcement agencies also posted condolence messages on social media, including Metro Transit Police, the chief of Maple Grove PD, and the Chisago Co. Sheriff's Office.  

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

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