MINNEAPOLIS— Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called for flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of a Minneapolis police officer who was ambushed and killed while on duty.
Officer Jamal Mitchell, 36, was one of two people killed in a mass shooting in south Minneapolis on Thursday evening, officials said. The suspected shooter is also dead.
Flags could be seen Friday morning at the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul and Minneapolis City Hall. Walz ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags lowered at all state buildings in Minnesota.
Those raising flags, including individuals, businesses and other organizations, are encouraged to lower their flags.
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“Minnesota mourns the loss of Officer Jamal Mitchell, a dedicated public servant and hero in his community who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his neighbors,” Walz said in a statement. “Our first responders are the first to intervene during a crisis. We must never take their efforts for granted and we must ensure that they can fulfill their duty without fear for their own lives. My heart is with Officer Mitchell’s family and loved ones at this time.”
Walz also spoke about the tragedy late Thursday night, highlighting how common attacks on law enforcement occur in the state.
“This is one of those cases that you would think is unthinkable, but it is very conceivable because it has happened four times in the last few months where public safety officials responded to the call that people made to 911 and rushed into that situation And in this case, an ambush and loss of life for Officer Mitchell,” Walz said. “That trauma should quickly turn to anger. And the promise that this can’t happen. We don’t have to live this way. We have to commit together to do everything we can.”
Minneapolis Police Chief O’Hara also spoke at length about Mitchell, calling him “a father, son, (fiance), friend and member of MPD since 2022.”
“I had the distinct honor of swearing Jamal in as a Minneapolis police officer,” O’Hara said.
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Mitchell was recognized for his work in February 2023 after saving an elderly couple from a burning house. Bodycam video shows him helping the couple out the front door.
A second police officer was also injured in the mass shooting but has since been released from hospital, and a firefighter also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Police say two civilians were also injured, one seriously and one seriously. Their identities and the identity of the suspect have not been released.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the incident.
Mitchell is the third Minnesota police officer to be killed this year. Burnsville officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and city firefighter Adam Finseth, were killed during a standoff in February.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, 60 police officers have been killed across the country this year.
