A downtown Minneapolis shooting turned a Wednesday afternoon into chaos, leaving two victims and the suspect dead. Three police officers also suffered injuries during the response. The violence unfolded inside a high-rise apartment building near the Minneapolis Convention Center, according to police.

Officials say the incident began just after 4:30 p.m. Within minutes, officers rushed into the building. What they found inside changed the course of their entire evening.

Timeline of the Downtown Minneapolis Shooting

Police Sgt. Garrett Parten confirmed the details at a Wednesday evening press conference. A 911 call reported shots fired inside the apartment tower. Officers arrived and entered the building within three minutes, and they located victims almost immediately.

However, the danger did not end there. Officers then heard more gunfire coming from above. They followed the sound to a higher floor, where thick smoke created serious problems.

Parten described the scene as “a haze that significantly limited their visibility.” He did not offer further details about the source of the haze. Consequently, officers had to navigate the building carefully while searching for the shooter.

One victim died at the scene. Another passed away later at the hospital. Meanwhile, investigators still do not know exactly how the suspect died, Parten said.

Officers Injured During the Response

Three Minneapolis police officers sustained injuries while responding to the shooting. Two of them suffered gunshot wounds. The third officer was shot in the leg and transported to the hospital alongside his colleagues.

All three officers remained in stable condition, according to Hennepin County Medical Center. One officer underwent surgery following the incident. Fortunately, none of the injuries appeared life-threatening at the time of the update.

Hennepin County Medical Center also confirmed it received seven patients total. However, the hospital did not release additional details about their conditions. Therefore, the full scope of injuries from the shooting remains unclear.

Parten expressed sympathy for everyone affected by the tragedy. “This is a tremendously tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the families, the loved ones of those who lost their lives, those who were injured and with the injured officers and their families,” he said.

Witnesses Recall Moments of Panic

Julius Bailey was sitting outside his apartment building when the shooting began. He heard gunshots and immediately recognized the man holding the pistol. Bailey said the shooter lived in the building, and a woman’s screams followed the first shots.

Bailey ran for safety right away. He later said he counted eight shots during the attack. According to Bailey, the suspect was known around the building for showing off his weapon.

“I could tell he was trouble,” Bailey said. He added that he had tried avoiding the man ever since moving into the building in June. This unsettling history added another layer to an already frightening situation.

Chris Miller, another resident, also heard the rapid gunfire and ran outside. He believed he recognized the shooter from an earlier encounter that week. Miller said he had crossed paths with someone carrying a handgun in the hallway and reported the incident to building management beforehand.

These accounts suggest warning signs existed before the tragedy occurred. Still, neither resident anticipated the scale of violence that followed. Their experiences highlight how quickly ordinary afternoons can turn dangerous.

Police Response and Community Reaction

Video shared on social media showed officers aiming rifles upward at the apartment tower. The building sits close to the Minneapolis Convention Center, in a busy part of downtown. Officials urged residents nearby to avoid the densely populated Loring Park neighborhood while the response continued.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addressed the shooting through a public statement. He confirmed that state officials were assisting local law enforcement on the ground. “Grateful to law enforcement actively working to ensure the safety of our neighbors in Downtown Minneapolis this afternoon,” Walz said. He added, “Minnesota is praying for our first responders.”

Federal authorities also became involved shortly afterward. The FBI announced its response to the shooting through a statement from Director Kash Patel. He said the agency “will offer any and all resources necessary to assist local authorities.” This kind of federal support often follows major incidents involving officer injuries.

Why This Shooting Matters for Downtown Safety

Downtown Minneapolis is home to thousands of residents and daily visitors. High-rise apartment buildings sit close to major venues, including the convention center. As a result, an incident like this raises fresh questions about building security and emergency response times.

Local officials will likely review how quickly officers reached the victims. Three minutes marked a fast response, yet the presence of smoke slowed the search significantly. Moving forward, investigators may examine whether better visibility tools could help officers in similar situations.

Residents near Loring Park now face lingering unease after the shooting. Community leaders often organize support sessions following traumatic events like this one. Additionally, building management companies may reconsider tenant safety protocols after hearing accounts like Miller’s report about an armed individual.

What Comes Next

Investigators continue piecing together exactly what happened inside the building. Officials have not yet released the suspect’s identity or a clear motive. Meanwhile, the three injured officers remain focused on recovery after their ordeal.

The shooting adds to a difficult year for law enforcement across Minnesota. Officer injuries during active shooter situations remain a serious concern for departments nationwide. Because of this, agencies frequently reassess training and equipment after high-profile incidents.

For now, the Minneapolis community mourns the victims while supporting the injured officers. Authorities have promised updates as the investigation develops further. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact Minneapolis police directly.