A Tragic Day in Burnsville: Three First Responders Killed by Gunman
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On Sunday, February 18, 2024, the city of Burnsville, Minnesota, witnessed a horrific act of violence that claimed the lives of three first responders: police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth. The gunman, who has not been identified by the authorities, also died in the incident.
According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the officers and the paramedic were responding to a domestic call at a home on the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South, where an armed man was reportedly barricaded with family members. When they arrived, the situation escalated into gunfire, and the gunman shot and killed Elmstrand, Ruge, and Finseth, and injured another officer who is expected to survive. The suspect was reported dead around 8 a.m., and the family members in the home made it out safely a short time later.
The city of Burnsville identified the victims as 27-year-old Elmstrand, who joined the Burnsville Police Department in 2017 and was promoted in 2019; 27-year-old Ruge, who joined the force in 2020; and 40-year-old Finseth, who has been a firefighter and paramedic in the city since 2019. They were described as dedicated and courageous public servants who sacrificed their lives to protect their community.
The news of the killings shocked and saddened the residents of Burnsville and the entire state of Minnesota. At Hennepin Healthcare in downtown Minneapolis, where the injured officer was taken, police and first responders from multiple cities gathered to show support and honor the fallen heroes. Around 12:45 p.m., a procession began to escort the decedents from the hospital to the medical examiner's office. Flags were flown at half staff starting Monday at sunrise by the order of Governor Tim Walz, who expressed his condolences and gratitude to the families and the Burnsville Police Department. A vigil for the victims was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Burnsville City Hall, where hundreds of people attended to pay their respects and offer their prayers.
The investigation into the motive and the circumstances of the shooting is ongoing, and the BCA said it will provide more information as it becomes available. The Burnsville Police Department asked the public to respect the privacy of the families and the colleagues of the victims during this difficult time. They also thanked the community for the overwhelming support and the donations to the memorial fund set up for the families.
This tragedy marks one of the deadliest days for law enforcement in Minnesota history, and a reminder of the dangers and the sacrifices that our first responders face every day. They were doing their jobs. They were protecting our community. They will never be forgotten.
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# FAQs: City identifies 2 officers, 1 paramedic killed in Burnsville, Minnesota; suspect also dead
Q: What happened in Burnsville on Sunday, February 18, 2024?
A: Two police officers and a paramedic were shot and killed by a gunman who was barricaded with family members in a home on the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South. The gunman also died in the incident.
Q: Who were the victims?
A: The victims were identified as officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, 40. They were all first responders for the city of Burnsville.
Q: How did the situation escalate into gunfire?
A: The officers and the paramedic were responding to a domestic call around 5 a.m., where an armed man was reportedly holding family members hostage. When they arrived, the gunman opened fire and killed Elmstrand, Ruge, and Finseth, and injured another officer who is expected to survive.
Q: Who was the gunman and what was his motive?
A: The gunman has not been identified by the authorities, and his motive is still under investigation. The family members in the home made it out safely a short time after the gunman was reported dead around 8 a.m.
Q: How did the community react to the tragedy?
A: The community was shocked and saddened by the loss of three first responders who sacrificed their lives to protect their community. Police and first responders from multiple cities gathered at Hennepin Healthcare to show support and honor the fallen heroes. A procession escorted the decedents from the hospital to the medical examiner's office. Flags were flown at half staff by the order of Governor Tim Walz, who expressed his condolences and gratitude to the families and the Burnsville Police Department. A vigil for the victims was held at Burnsville City Hall, where hundreds of people attended to pay their respects and offer their prayers. A memorial fund was set up for the families of the victims.
Q: How can I help or show support?
A: You can help by donating to the memorial fund for the families of the victims, which can be accessed . You can also show support by sending cards, flowers, or messages of appreciation to the Burnsville Police Department and the Burnsville Fire Department. You can also keep the families and the colleagues of the victims in your thoughts and prayers.
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