BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The man responsible for fatally shooting two Minnesota police officers and a first responder over the weekend had a prior prohibition from owning a firearm, as court records indicate. The shooter, identified as Shannon Gooden, 38, was found to have numerous guns and a large supply of ammunition when he opened fire on law enforcement officers while barricaded inside a home in Burnsville, Minnesota. During the standoff, seven children were also inside the home, with ages ranging between 2 and 15 years old.
Gooden’s actions resulted in the deaths of police officers Paul Elmstrand, 27, and Matthew Ruge, 27, alongside firefighter and paramedic Adam Finseth, 40. Another officer, Adam Medlicott, was shot but is expected to survive. Gooden also died during the incident, and the cause of his death remains unconfirmed by the medical examiner.
In 2007, Gooden was convicted of second-degree assault, which led to his ban from possessing firearms by state law. Four years ago, his attorney made an unsuccessful attempt to overturn this ban, arguing that Gooden was not a dangerous criminal and had completed anger management classes while providing for his family. Despite the plea, a judge denied the motion in 2020 without providing an explanation in the order.
Amidst the tragic events, Gooden’s attorney reflected on the shooting, expressing that he and those close to Gooden had never imagined such violent actions from him. The lawyer also emphasized the devastating impact of the incident on the families of the first responders, as well as on Gooden’s own family.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is currently investigating the fatal shooting. Authorities revealed that there were no previous calls for service at the home or regarding the suspected shooter, shedding light on the unexpected nature of the violent outburst.