The Minneapolis Police Department is mourning the loss Friday of a “courageous hero” police officer who officials say was fatally “ambushed” while responding to the scene of a double shooting. 

Officer Jamal Mitchell was struck with gunfire Thursday after approaching an apartment complex and spotting individuals said to be injured and in need of medical care, according to Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans. 

“As he was attempting to provide medical assistance, he was ambushed,” Evans said. “Officer Mitchell was attempting to assist the individual who shot him. It happened very fast and that he ambushed him.” 

Evans said a second officer arrived shortly after Mitchell was shot and exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who ultimately was pronounced dead at the scene. 

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Minneapolis Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell told reporters Thursday that Mitchell died at a hospital despite efforts to save him. The second officer involved in the gunfight suffered non-life-threatening injuries, she said. 

Evans added that two other people were shot during the chaos – an innocent bystander who is now in critical condition, and a firefighter. 

When investigators arrived at the apartment that sparked the initial call for response, about two blocks away from where Mitchell was targeted, they found a deceased person and another individual suffering from gunshot wounds.  

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described Mitchell – who he says was engaged and was a father – as a “courageous hero” who “would run towards danger when the rest of us would run in the other direction.” 

“The city of Minneapolis lost a hero in police officer Jamal Mitchell,” Frey said Thursday. “This officer gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect and save the lives of others. His life, his service and his name will forever be remembered in the city of Minneapolis.” 

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Police announced last February that Mitchell, who had been newly sworn in, responded to a house fire with another officer and “ran into the building and rescued an elderly couple before their home was completely engulfed in flames.” 

“Cops are not trained to run into burning buildings. The officers ran in and put their lives on the line despite the danger, and saved two of our residents as if they were members of their own family,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said at the time. “Today was only Mitchell’s third day on the job, and this is exemplary work by both officers.  Their quick actions today were truly heroic, as they prevented this fire from being even more tragic.” 

In a statement on X, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz thanked first responders for keeping the community safe. 

“The State Patrol is on the scene in South Minneapolis assisting local law enforcement,” Walz said. “The State of Minnesota stands ready to provide any resources necessary. Praying for all the first responders on the ground working to keep the community safe.” 

As of 8:30 p.m. Thursday, city officials said there was no ongoing threat to the public after the shooting, but they asked residents to avoid the area as the investigation continues.