Sheriff: New Hope shooting suspect should never have had a gun

The suspect in the shooting at New Hope City Hall should never have had a weapon, officials said at a news conference Wednesday, and they aren't sure how he got it.

Raymond Kmetz, 68, was fatally shot by police Monday after officials say he opened fire and injured two police officers following a swearing-in ceremony at New Hope City Hall.

Sheriff Richard Stanek said Kmetz had a history of mental illness which prohibited him from having a firearm, adding the serial number on the pistol-grip shotgun was "obliterated."

Officials wouldn't comment on a motive Wednesday, but did say Kmetz was known to them and he had expressed grievances against the city of New Hope and neighboring Crystal in the past. The city of Crystal also filed a restraining order against him in August.

Stanek said on the day of the shooting Kmetz called the Hennepin County court system and asked for his property back, and at some point after leaving his Belle Plaine home stopped to buy ammunition before eventually going to city hall.

Officials applauded New Hope police officers who reacted swiftly and correctly to stop the active-shooter situation Monday evening. The names of the officers who shot at Kmetz will be released at a later time.

Officers Beau Schoenhard and Joshua Eernisse were injured in the shooting, but are said to be doing well after leaving the hospital on Tuesday.

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