Minneapolis shooting: 3 dead including shooter, 3 officers, 3 civilians injured

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Authorities say three people are dead, including the shooting suspect and two civilians, and three police officers as well as three civilians were injured after a shooting at a downtown Minneapolis apartment Wednesday afternoon.

Minneapolis police say they are still investigating how the suspected shooter died. 

Downtown Minneapolis mass shooting

What we know:

The Minneapolis Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at 4:36 p.m. at Loring Towers, a high-rise apartment at 15 East Grant Street in downtown Minneapolis.

Officers got to the scene in less than two minutes. When they arrived, they encountered multiple victims and heard additional gunfire. Police say officers followed the sound of gunfire to an upper floor of the building and encountered haze that significantly limited visibility.

Officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Three officers were injured, two by gunfire. One officer was shot twice in the stomach, another once in the leg. A third officer was evaluated for a non-life threatening injury. 

One of the officers is undergoing surgery. 

All three are expected to make full recoveries.

Four victims were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, where one was pronounced dead. Police say one person died at the scene, as well as the suspected shooter. Authorities have not clarified how the suspect died.

A total of nine people were involved in the shooting, and six were injured, including the three officers. Police say some of the victims lived at the Loring Towers complex, and they're investigating motive for the shooting, but the alleged shooter is known to them.

"I’m truly sickened by this level of violence. That feeling is tempered only by the courageous actions of the Minneapolis police officers who responded without hesitation, confronted an extraordinarily dangerous situation and worked to end violence and restore safety," said Bill Peterson, interim chief of the Minneapolis Police Department, at a Wednesday evening news conference.

A crash involving a Minneapolis squad car resulted in two officers being hurt, according to the police department.

There were also four officers who "experienced adverse effects after being exposed to an unknown airborne substance," authorities say. 

Who was the shooter?

Suspect identified:

FOX 9 has confirmed the name of the suspected shooter as Carlton Johnson II.

READ MORE: Minneapolis mass shooting suspect was facing eviction for threats with gun, documents show

Reunification location

What you can do:

Apartment residents and others affected by the shooting can gather at Central Lutheran Church at 333 South 12th Street.

The American Red Cross is setting up a shelter near the scene, and the Salvation Army is providing food. 

Assisting agencies

Local perspective:

Wednesday's incident drew a massive response from Minneapolis police, requiring other departments to provide assistance as needed.

They included University of Minnesota police, the Minnesota State Patrol, Edina police, Metro Transit police, St. Paul police, Plymouth police, Brooklyn Park police, Maple Grove police, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, the FBI and Minneapolis Park Police.

‘We’re all standing with the victims'

What they're saying:

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey attended Wednesday evening's news conference. He complimented responding officers for their bravery, and said the result could've been much worse.

"Our Minneapolis police officers acted with incredible bravery and courage. Upon entering the building, it was apparent this was an active shooting. They rescued victims, brought people to safety, helped get four people to the hospital all while getting shot at themselves," Frey said. "But for their heroic work, the death toll would’ve been far higher. We’re all standing with the victims and families impacted by this senseless act. I cannot emphasize enough how dangerous this situation was."

Minnesota leaders react

What they're saying:

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and several other local leaders have reacted to Wednesday afternoon's events in downtown Minneapolis.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty shared the following statement on the shooting:

"While we still have limited information, it is clear that this was a terrible and shocking attack with numerous victims.

"Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the deceased, the law enforcement officers who were shot, and all the other victims who are currently receiving medical care.

"We are currently working with MPD and the BCA to gather information. Anyone who has information regarding this attack should contact law enforcement or our office."

MinnesotaNews