In the heart of Burnsville, Minnesota, a tragic episode resulted in the deaths of two police officers and one first responder. This unfortunate incident presents another somber reflection on the wider issues of increased crime rates and policing.

On Sunday, the city of Burnsville became the backdrop for the deadly encounter when law enforcement officers responded to a domestic violence call.  

A desperate call for help from a home in suburban Minneapolis early Sunday turned deadly for two police officers and a first responder who were shot and killed, according to officials.

The deaths of the two Burnsville police officers and the first responder were confirmed by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, which represents public safety professionals in the state.

“Horrific news from Burnsville,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a post on Facebook. “While responding to a call of a family in danger, two police officers and one firefighter lost their lives, and other officers were injured.

“We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our police officers and first responders make every day. My heart is with their families today and the entire State of Minnesota stands with Burnsville.”

No other details were immediately released about what led up to the shooting in a tree-lined neighborhood with two-story homes. In its aftermath, the street was lined with SWAT vehicles, police cars, firefighters and ambulances.

Upon arriving on the scene, the officers, accompanied by a paramedic, were met with gunfire, killing all three officials. Gov. Tim Walz posted a statement on social media in which he confirmed the deaths and asserted that “We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our police officers and first responders make every day.”

Horrific news from Burnsville. While responding to a call of a family in danger, two police officers and one firefighter lost their lives, and other officers were injured.

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) February 18, 2024

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) also offered her condolences in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Learned from police this morning that three officers have been shot in Burnsville. They were doing their jobs. They were protecting our community. John and I are praying for them and their families and the Burnsville P.D. this morning.

Learned from police this morning that three officers have been shot in Burnsville. They were doing their jobs. They were protecting our community. John and I are praying for them and their families and the Burnsville P.D. this morning.

— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) February 18, 2024

The man who shot and killed the three officials is also deceased, but the authorities have not yet explained how this happened. 

Anna Edmunds, a bystander near the scene, said she heard popping sounds before five a.m. but couldn't see anything right away.

"Even like a couple of minutes later it was like there were a couple more popping sounds and then everything just kind of stopped,” Edmunds said. “And all of a sudden there's police everywhere and there's like literally every corner, there's like a fire truck or there's like a police ATV or police."

Edmunds said she got a shelter in place message from the Burnsville Police Department about an hour after first hearing shots.

The local law enforcement agency is expected to hold a press briefing later on Sunday to cover the details of the incident. RedState will keep you updated.