A Minneapolis police officer who responded to a shooting call was unexpectedly attacked and killed on Thursday when he stopped to assist a man who seemed to be a victim. Instead, that man shot the officer, according to authorities.
Officer Jamal Mitchell’s death occurred during a chaotic situation involving two separate crime scenes just blocks apart. This incident resulted in three deaths, left two others critically injured, and caused less serious injuries to another officer and a firefighter.
“I’ve reviewed the footage, and he was ambushed,” stated Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans during an evening press conference. “I’m using that term for a reason.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey noted that investigations are ongoing and urged patience as they gather all the facts. “We need to ensure a thorough investigation conducted properly,” he emphasized.
Members of law enforcement outside Hennepin County Medical Center (Via Harley Simmons/Getty Images)
Law enforcement provided a brief account of the events: Officers initially responded to a report of a double shooting at an apartment complex in the Whittier neighborhood of south Minneapolis. As Mitchell approached the complex, he encountered injured individuals. When he stopped to aid one of them, that person shot him.
Another officer arrived and engaged in gunfire with the shooter, who later succumbed to injuries despite attempts to save him, as explained by Minneapolis Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell.
The officer involved in the exchange sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Evans added that an innocent bystander was critically wounded and taken to the hospital, while a firefighter was also injured by gunfire.
