Gunman kills three, wounds officers in Minneapolis

A gunman killed three people and wounded three police officers during a shooting at a downtown Minneapolis apartment building on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. Police identified the suspect as 36-year-old Shannon Gooden and said he was shot and killed by officers during the confrontation. One victim died at the scene and another later at a hospital. Three officers were injured, including two who were shot and remain in stable condition. The violence unfolded at the 20-story Capella Tower, a mixed-use high-rise near Target Field that houses both businesses and residential units.

Minneapolis has seen a rise in gun violence since 2020, when the police killing of George Floyd sparked widespread protests and a shift in public safety policy. The city has struggled with staffing shortages, rising homicide rates, and debates over policing and community response programs. The Capella Tower incident comes just weeks after a mass shooting at a nearby bar left one dead and 14 injured, underscoring concerns about public safety in the downtown core. Police say Gooden had no known prior criminal record, which is not unusual in cases linked to domestic violence or sudden escalation.

The shooting began around 2:30 p.m. when Gooden entered the building carrying a rifle. Witnesses reported hearing rapid gunfire on multiple floors before officers arrived. A lockdown was ordered, and residents were told to shelter in place for over an hour. The building is now reopening, but police continue to process the scene. Family members of the victims have been notified, though police have not released their identities pending next-of-kin notification. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has taken over the investigation.

City leaders are expected to address public concerns at a Thursday press conference, with calls likely growing for faster implementation of violence intervention programs and enhanced building security measures. This incident adds pressure on Mayor Jacob Frey, who has faced criticism for rising crime despite a recent reduction in homicides in 2024. The shooting also raises questions about how a man with no criminal record obtained a rifle and whether red flag laws—intended to prevent such acts—were followed. For now, the city braces for more scrutiny and debate over safety and justice in the heart of downtown.