Minneapolis residents recall horror as rapid gunfire leaves three dead, three officers injured

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Residents of a downtown Minneapolis apartment building described the terrifying moments when a burst of gunfire suddenly broke out Wednesday, September 2, with some rushing outside after hearing multiple shots and one resident saying he saw a man holding a pistol.

The shooting happened at an apartment building near 15 E Grant St at around 4:36 pm, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement.

Minneapolis residents recount downtown shooting horror

Julius Bailey was sitting outside his apartment building when he heard the gunshots. He said he then saw a man he recognized as a resident of the building holding a pistol.

Bailey also heard a woman screaming and immediately started running away. He said he counted eight shots.

The resident said he recognized the man because he was known for showing off his weapon. Bailey said he had tried to avoid him since moving into the building in June. “I could tell he was trouble,” Bailey said.

His account offered a glimpse into the fear inside and around the building as the shooting unfolded, with residents trying to get away from the area.

Chris Miller, who also lives in the apartment building, said he heard a rapid succession of gunshots and quickly ran outside for safety. Miller said he believed he knew who carried out the shooting.

He also said he had encountered someone in the hallway with a handgun earlier in the week and reported that person to apartment management.

Police respond to downtown Minneapolis active shooting

Minneapolis police responded to what officials described as an “active shooting” near 15 E Grant St at around 4:36 pm. Police warned the public to stay away from the area as officers responded.

Video posted on social media showed police aiming rifles upward at an apartment tower near the Minneapolis Convention Center. Officials also warned residents to avoid the densely populated Loring Park neighborhood nearby.

The latest update brought the death toll to three, while three police officers were among those injured. The suspected shooter was also dead, according to police Sgt Garrett Parten.

The suspect had been facing eviction from the downtown Minneapolis apartment complex after previously making threatening statements, according to court records obtained by the FOX 9 Investigators.

Tim Walz and FBI respond to Minneapolis shooting

Minnesota Gov Tim Walz said state officials were on the ground helping local law enforcement respond to the shooting.

“Grateful to law enforcement actively working to ensure the safety of our neighbors in Downtown Minneapolis this afternoon,” Walz said. “Minnesota is praying for our first responders.”

The FBI was also responding to the shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency would “offer any and all resources necessary to assist local authorities.”

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth said she was praying for the victims of “this heinous crime.” “I’m incredibly thankful for the massive response of our brave law enforcement officers,” Demuth said.