Johnathan Walker:'Courageous' Minneapolis officer remembered after fatal shooting; suspected shooter dead

Two people,Johnathan Walker including a Minnesota police officer who was aiding a civilian, are dead after a shooting Thursday in a south Minneapolis neighborhood prompted a response from multiple law enforcement agencies, authorities said.

Police officers were responding to a report of a double shooting near an apartment complex in the neighborhood of Whittier, according to Minneapolis Police Department Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell. Officers came under fire "immediately" after arriving at the scene and exchanged gunfire, Blackwell said at a news conference Thursday night.

Two officers were injured and transported to a hospital, where one died, according to Blackwell. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey identified Jamal Mitchell, 28, as the officer who was killed in the shooting.

Two additional adult victims with gunshot wounds were located at the scene and a firefighter received non-life-threatening injuries during gunfire, Blackwell said. One of the victims was "gravely" injured while the other was pronounced deceased at the scene, Blackwell added.

The suspect was also injured in the incident and received first aid from officers but was later pronounced dead at the scene.

An earlier statement from police initially reported that there were four civilians injured along with two officers.

Minnesota State Patrol and agents from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' St. Paul Field Division were assisting local law enforcement, officials said. Authorities had asked people to avoid the area during the investigation.

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Minneapolis officer Jamal Mitchell a 'courageous hero'

Frey called Mitchell a "courageous hero" who authorities said was attempting to help victims when he was ambushed.

"This officer gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect and save the lives of others," Frey said at the news conference. "His life, his service, and his name will forever be remembered in the city of Minneapolis."

Mitchell had received recognition from the Minneapolis Police Department for his "heroic act" in February 2023 after rescuing an elderly couple from a burning home, Frey noted. It was Mitchell's third day on the job, according to Blackwell.

State and local officials shared their condolences and support on social media following the incident. Sen. Amy Klobuchar wrote on X that she was "devastated" to learn about the tragedy. 

"Once again, a police officer bravely faced danger and tragically lost his life protecting the community," Minneapolis Police and Peace Officers Association executive director Brian Peters said in a statement.