Fatal Minneapolis Mass Shooting: Gunman Mustafa Mohamed Identified in Tragic Incident that Claimed Lives of Officer and Civilian
Minneapolis (AX) — The suspect in Thursday’s horrifying south Minneapolis mass shooting that took the life of Officer Jamal Mitchell has been named as Mustafa Ahmed Mohamed by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s office. Mohamed, with a history of violent crimes and wanted on multiple warrants, was killed in a shootout with the police after the ambush. Also killed in the incident was Osman Said Jimale, 32, of Minneapolis, found with several gunshot wounds in Apartment 18 at 2221 Blaisdell Avenue, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
The tragic events began around 5:20 p.m. when Minneapolis law enforcement responded to a double shooting report at an apartment complex in the Whittier neighborhood. Officer Jamal Mitchell, 36, one of the first responders due to department understaffing, was shot multiple times by Mohamed, one of the injured men he tried to help as he approached the scene. Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), affirmed that the attack was recorded on Mitchell’s body-worn camera but has not been publicly released.
Aside from Officer Mitchell, a firefighter, a civilian, and another individual were injured during the chaotic situation in and around the apartment building.
According to dispatch audio, officers were alerted about the situation at around 5:20 p.m. Witnesses reported multiple gunshots from the apartment building. One resident, Reuben Molina, recalled hearing several gunshots from an apartment below him and a woman in distress on a 911 call mentioning two people shot in the head there.
Molina noticed two men leaving the complex through the back door and separate into the alley, behaving inconspicuously. When he heard more shots, he went outside and alerted officers as he heard more gunshots nearby.
Witness Cory Jones, 36, recounted hearing gunshots while biking and witnessing the events unfold, capturing parts of the chaos on his phone. At least 11 shots were fired, as seen through both audio and video on his phone.
Authorities believe Mohamed went to the south Minneapolis apartment with the intention to harm two individuals familiar to him. He fatally shot Osman Said Jimale and critically injured another person inside the apartment before attempting to flee through the backdoor and alleyway.
In his escape attempt, Mohamed tried to hijack a moped at gunpoint but was thwarted by a quick-thinking motorist who struck him with his vehicle, preventing his escape. This intervention led to Mohamed’s encounter with law enforcement after which he ambushed and fatally shot Officer Mitchell before being killed in a subsequent shootout.
Details of Mohamed’s extensive criminal history emerged following the tragic incident, shedding light on his prior convictions for various felonies and possession of firearms and ammunition.
The community, well-known for its diverse and lively spirit, was shocked by the events unfolding in the Whittier neighborhood. A resident, Ken Lorence, described the sounds of gunfire that initially sounded like fireworks until they became louder, prompting his realization of the severity of the situation.
A significant number of law enforcement officers gathered outside HCMC to pay respects to Officer Mitchell, solemnly watching as his flag-draped casket was loaded into the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s vehicle. Local leaders like Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz expressed their condolences and urged patience as the investigation progresses.
The tragic mass shooting has sparked discussions about public safety and the risks faced by law enforcement officers, emphasizing the need for ensuring the safety of both officers and the community. Officer Mitchell, a father and soon-to-be groom, was commended for his courage and dedication by the Minneapolis Police Department, with memorials in his honor already being arranged by colleagues and community members.
