Two civilians killed, three police officers injured in USA shooting

At least two civilians died and three police officers sustained injuries in a shooting at a residential building in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota of USA.

The incident took place around 4:30pm on Wednesday afternoon (September 2).

Police responding to reports of gunfire exchanged shots with a suspected gunman, who was killed at the scene.

Minneapolis Police Sergeant Garrett Parten said officers rushed to the residential building after receiving reports of a shooting. Two of the injured officers sustained gunshot wounds, while all three injured officers were taken to hospital. Their conditions were reported as stable and not life-threatening.

One civilian was declared dead at the scene. Another was critically injured and later died at Hennepin County Medical Center, police said.

Authorities quickly cordoned off the area and urged residents and visitors to avoid Loring Park and surrounding densely populated areas as officers secured the scene.

Videos shared on social media showed armed police surrounding the apartment building with rifles raised.

Hennepin Healthcare said seven people in total were brought to its facilities for treatment following the incident.

The motive for the shooting remained unclear, and authorities had not immediately released the identity of the suspected gunman.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency’s teams were working to provide whatever assistance local authorities needed.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed condolences and praised law enforcement officers and first responders working to protect residents during the emergency.