Authorities identify two officers, paramedic killed in Burnsville
The first responders shot and killed in the line of duty by a gunman in Burnsville early Sunday have been identified as police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, 40.
The suspect, who has not been publicly named, is also dead, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
From left: Paul Elmstrand, Adam Finseth, and Matthew Ruge. Picture: City of Burnsville.
Sgt. Adam Medlicott was also hurt in the incident and is hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
According to a news release from the city of Burnsville, police responded to a home in the 24600 block of 33rd Avenue at 1:50 a.m. Sunday on a report of domestic situation where an armed man had barricaded himself with family members.
"After arriving, the situation escalated into gunfire with responders," the news release states. "Elmstrand, Ruge and Finseth were killed by the gunman during the response."
Photo by Christine Schuster | Bring Me The News.
"At approximately 8 a.m., the suspect was reported to be dead," the news release continues.
According to the city, there is no ongoing threat and family members inside the home during the incident are safe.
Elmstrand joined the Burnsville Police Department in August 2017 as a community service officer. He was promoted to officer in July of 201 and served as a member of the department’s mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard and field training unit.
Ruge joined the Burnsville Police Department in April of 2020 and was a member of the department’s crisis negotiations team and also worked as a physical evidence officer.
Finseth joined the Burnsville Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic in 2019.
Community members plan to hold a vigil outside Burnsville City Hall around 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
“We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our first responders make each and every day," Gov. Tim Walz shared in a statement.
"Today, the families of these public servants received the call they knew was possible but hoped would never come," he continued. "My heart is with those grieving families – the State of Minnesota stands ready to support in any way we can. This is a tragic loss for our state."
