MINNEAPOLIS — On Thursday evening, emergency responders arrived in Minneapolis' Whittier neighborhood on reports of gunfire. We would go on to learn that one of them, Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell, would not make it home.
As the chaos unfolded on the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue, Mitchell, 36, was shot and killed while attempting to save other gunshot wound victims. Two others would also succumb to their wounds, including the alleged suspect, while four others -- another MPD officer, a firefighter and two civilians -- were also seriously wounded.
For those who knew Mitchell, it came as no surprise that he didn't hesitate to run toward danger if he could make a difference and save lives.
"Once again, a police officer bravely faced danger and tragically lost his life protecting the community," MPPOA Executive Director Brian Peters wrote in a statement. "This officer exemplified unmatched dedication, bravery, and service in defense of the public."
A brave officer and public servant, yes, but who was Jamal Mitchell, the person?
"Yesterday, Minneapolis lost a hero," said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in a social media post Friday morning. "Officer Jamal Mitchell was a father, a son, a fiancé, and a beloved member of our Minneapolis Police Department. He made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and save the lives of others. His life and service will never be forgotten."
A member of the MPD for less than two years, Mitchell had already accomplished what a lot of cops won't in the course of their entire careers. KARE 11 first met Mitchell last year, after learning that on only his third day in uniform, he and another MPD officer rushed into a burning home near Bde Maka Ska, saving the lives of an elderly couple.
Mitchell was recognized by the department for his heroism, but at the time, he signaled to KARE 11 the he considered his actions just part of a day's work.
"We’re not trained to run into fires, but being in the field of policing it’s a potential," said Mitchell. "We’re here to serve our community and we’re often first on scene.”
In a news conference following the deadly shooting early Friday morning, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara spoke about the fire incident and emphasized the impact he and his legacy will leave on the department and city.
"I knew Jamal. I had the distinct honor of swearing him in as a member of this agency. Shortly after hitting the street, I commended him and honored him for running into a burning house to rescue an elderly couple trapped inside," said O'Hara.
"Jamal was engaged to be married. Jamal died a hero, and like police officers in Minneapolis standing behind me here and everywhere, he was one of the few who have the courage to stand up and answer the call every single day. He died doing what we asked him to do for the rest of us."
On Friday, flags were flown at half-staff in honor of the father, fiancé, friend and beloved family member, while the community rallied together to show their support for the loved ones Mitchell left behind.
Restauranteur Brian Ingram was among them. Ingram announced on social media he will invite community members to the Apostle Supper Club in St. Paul Saturday night, where he will host a barbecue with 100% of proceeds raised going to Mitchell's fiancée and young child.
He's partnering with the nonprofit The Front Line Foundation, which grants financial support to families of first responders who have died in the line of duty. Since its inception in 2018, it's paid out $520,000 in death benefits and equipment funding. In this case, it will present the donations raised at the Apostle Supper Club to Mitchell's family.
Others, like Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, told reporters that families of law enforcement officers "deserve to know they're coming home."
"And it's really hard if those folks can't feel us unified behind them to make sure that we're providing everything we can to make sure that they get what they need to do their job — to protect all of us and to protect themselves. Their families deserve to know they're coming home."
After Mitchell died at the hospital, a processional formed comprised of community members, state officials, law enforcement agencies and others to escort him to the medical examiner's office.
Officials said more details about the shooting and Officer Mitchell's life and legacy will be released in the coming days.
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