Burnsville, Minnesota – The Hennepin County Medical Examiner identified the man responsible for the tragic shooting that took the lives of two police officers and a firefighter on Sunday morning. Shannon Gooden, 38, of Burnsville, was killed in the shooting, with authorities confirming that the shooter took his own life. The heartbreaking incident has left the city in mourning as it grapples with the loss of three first responders.
Gooden, who had lost his right to own a gun due to a 2007 felony assault conviction, unsuccessfully petitioned to have his gun rights restored in 2020. The city of Burnsville released detailed information about the three first responders who tragically lost their lives on Sunday. Officers Elmstrand and Ruge, as well as Firefighter Finseth, were all valued members of their respective departments, leaving a deep void in their absence.
The shooting unfolded after police were called to the scene for a domestic situation involving an armed man barricaded with family members. Tragically, the situation escalated into gunfire, resulting in the loss of three heroic first responders. Amidst the devastating loss, the community and state have come together to pay tribute to the fallen heroes. Governor Tim Walz ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff to honor the dedicated service and sacrifice of the officers and firefighter.
“This is the toughest day that the city of Burnsville and our public safety family has ever experienced,” expressed an emotional Fire Chief BJ Jungmann. “It’s a tragic day. We’re all grieving and we’re all trying to understand what happened and why.” The community is urged to join in lowering flags as a sign of respect for the bravery and sacrifices made by first responders every day. The city of Burnsville and the state of Minnesota stand together in mourning, offering thoughts and prayers to the families, friends, and community affected by this devastating loss.