Two Officers, Paramedic Killed While Responding To Domestic Violence Incident

While responding to a domestic violence call in Burnsville, Minnesota, on Sunday morning, two police officers and a paramedic were shot and killed.

According to a statement from the Dakota County dispatch, the officers and a paramedic were called to the scene of an “incident with weapons” in Burnsville, Minnesota — which is just 15 miles south of Minneapolis.

Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were also present on the scene of the “domestic-related shooting,” according to a statement from the ATF’s St. Paul Field Division.

Speaking with local CBS News affiliate WCCO-TV, a resident of the neighborhood identified as Jason Skog reported hearing what sounded like either a firecracker or flashbang, followed by gunfire. Skog told the outlet that police had asked the residents in the area to shelter in place.

The incident began when law enforcement was responding to a call about an armed man who had barricaded himself inside the home with family, which included seven children. Authorities have confirmed that the family was able to exit the home safely.

WCCO-TV noted in its reporting that fire trucks, ambulances, police officers and SWAT vehicles were all present at the scene where the two officers and the paramedic were murdered. The suspect was reportedly killed on scene, though authorities have not provided details on his death. A third officer was also wounded during the incident. According to the Associated Press, the paramedic was shot while attending to the wounded officer.

The officers who were killed have been identified as Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both of whom were 27 years old. The slain paramedic, who was also a firefighter, has been identified as 40-year-old Adam Finseth. The injured officer is identified as Sgt. Adam Medlicott, who was taken to the hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

After the incident, one of the SWAT vehicles was found to have several bullet holes in its windshield.

Several prominent figures in Minnesota spoke out about the tragic incident, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D).

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Walz confirmed the terrible news, noting: “While responding to a call of a family in danger, two police officers and one firefighter lost their lives, and other officers were injured.”

“We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our police officers and first responders make every day. My heart is with their families today and the entire State of Minnesota stands with Burnsville,” the Democrat governor added in a follow-up post.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) also tweeted about the incident, noting that the deceased officers and paramedic were “doing their jobs” and “protecting our community.”

“John and I are praying for them and their families and the Burnsville P.D. this morning,” she continued.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara requested that everyone “keep Burnsville Police Dept in your prayers this morning.”

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association wrote: “We are heartbroken. Our law enforcement community is heartbroken. We’re just devastated at the horrific loss. These heroes leave behind loved ones and a community who will forever remember their bravery and dedication to keeping Minnesotans safe.”

The Minnesota governor has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff beginning at sunrise on Monday in honor of the fallen heroes.

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