Yesterday in Burnsville, Minnesota, two police officers — Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge — and a firefighter — Adam Finseth — were killed when responding to a domestic-abuse incident. Alpha News has identified the suspect as Shannon Cortez Gooden.
When officers arrived at the scene, Gooden barricaded himself and was armed with multiple firearms. After exchanging gunfire with law enforcement at 1:50 a.m., Gooden was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at 8:00 a.m.
In 2008, Gooden was convicted of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon. After the felony conviction, Gooden was no longer able to legally possess a firearm. In 2020, he requested to have his firearm rights restored, but a Minnesota judge denied the request. At the time of the standoff Sunday morning, Gooden was wanted for a second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz said at a press conference, “Today three members of our team made the ultimate sacrifice for this community, they are heroes.” Burnsville Fire Chief B.J. Jungmann spoke after Schwartz, saying, “This is the toughest day that the city of Burnsville and our public safety family has ever experienced. My heart and prayers go out to the families who lost a loved one in the line of duty today.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz offered condolences, saying on X, “Today, we lower our flags in honor of Burnsville Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter Adam Finseth. It is with deepest gratitude that our state recognizes their service to, and sacrifice for, their fellow Minnesotans. Minnesota stands with Burnsville.”
