Two victims and the suspected gunman were killed, while several others—including three police officers—were injured in a shooting Wednesday at a high-rise apartment building in Minnesota, US, police said.

The dead include two civilians and the suspected shooter. Police have not officially identified the suspect or initially disclosed how he died. However, multiple media reports citing law-enforcement sources said the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The incident unfolded shortly after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, when Minneapolis police officers were dispatched to 15 E. Grant St., the Loring Towers apartment building, following reports of gunfire. According to police, officers arrived within minutes and encountered multiple victims inside the building while hearing additional gunshots.

As officers moved through the building in an effort to locate victims and stop the threat, they followed the sound of gunfire to an upper floor. There, officers encountered what authorities described as a haze or airborne substance that significantly limited visibility.

Two Minneapolis police officers were shot during the response. One suffered gunshot wounds to the abdomen and underwent surgery, while another was shot in the leg. A third officer was also injured. Authorities said the injured officers were receiving treatment at Hennepin County Medical Center and that their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the officers were expected to make full recoveries.

The danger extended beyond the officers directly wounded by gunfire. Four additional officers experienced adverse effects after being exposed to an unknown airborne substance, according to city officials. Two other officers were injured when their squad car crashed while rushing to the scene.

Three civilians who survived the shooting were also taken to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment. Another civilian was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second civilian later died at the hospital.

The suspected gunman was subsequently found dead inside the building. Police said the circumstances surrounding his death were still being investigated. Law-enforcement sources cited by CBS Minnesota later reported that the suspect was 35-year-old Carlton Neal Johnson, although Minneapolis police had not officially released his identity in their public briefing.

Police describe chaotic and dangerous response

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the officers who entered the building despite coming under fire themselves.

“As officers quickly moved from unit to unit to assist anyone who needed help, I can’t emphasize enough how dangerous this situation was and how heroic our officers were in response,” Frey said. He added that officers rescued victims, brought residents to safety and helped transport several people to hospitals while they themselves were being targeted by gunfire.

“This is a tremendously tragic event,” Minneapolis Police Chief Bill Peterson said, describing the incident as a major crime scene that had significantly affected residents, victims, police officers and other first responders.

Peterson also thanked agencies that assisted Minneapolis police, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which joined the investigation.

The response involved law-enforcement agencies from across the metropolitan area, including the Minnesota State Patrol, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Minneapolis Park Police, St. Paul Police Department, University of Minnesota Police Department, Maple Grove Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Edina Police Department and Brooklyn Park Police Department. The FBI also assisted at the scene.

Investigation continues

Authorities have not yet announced a motive for the shooting. Investigators are examining the circumstances leading up to the attack, the suspect's movements inside the apartment building and the nature of the airborne substance encountered by officers.

Residents and witnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted inside the high-rise. Police established a large security perimeter around the building and urged people to stay away from the area while investigators processed what authorities described as a massive crime scene.

The incident also prompted a significant emergency response throughout the surrounding downtown and Loring Park area. Authorities said the immediate threat to the public had been contained after the suspected shooter was found dead.

Reunification and assistance for residents

Central Lutheran Church at 333 S. 12th St. opened a reunification location for apartment residents and others affected by the shooting. The American Red Cross established shelter assistance near the scene, while the Salvation Army provided food and other support.

The shooting adds to a difficult period for Minneapolis, which has faced several high-profile acts of gun violence in recent years. Wednesday's incident drew an unusually large multi-agency police response, underscoring the scale and complexity of the emergency.

Investigators are expected to provide additional information as evidence is processed and the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the suspect's death and the unidentified airborne substance become clearer. (ILKHA)