BURNSVILLE, Minn. — As Burnsville mourns the deaths of two police officers and a firefighter/paramedic, radio dispatch audio reveals the chaotic and violent scene that unfolded early Sunday morning as the officers and first responders came under a barrage of rifle fire, pinning them down.
"Shots fired. Shots fired, shots fired. Shots fired."
The sounds of gunshots echoed through the radio calls just after 5:30 a.m.
"Heavy gunfire, heavy gunfire from the front."
Shortly after, came the tragic words.
"Two down. Officer down."
The incident began around 1:50 that morning. Burnsville officers responded to a domestic violence call on 33rd Ave. South and an hours-long standoff ensued, with the gunman barricaded inside with seven children.
While officers attempted to negotiate, they say the suspect, identified as Shannon Cortez Gooden, opened fire with a rifle.
"We're getting rifle fire from the house. Anybody got eyes on?"
The windshield of an armored vehicle seen at the break of day bears proof of the barrage of violence, with a handful of marks where bullets impacted the glass.
"He's firing more shots. Officers to the side, fallback! Anyone inside fallback."
Three officers were hit. Two, Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, were killed. Sgt. Adam Medlicott was injured.
"And I need two additional ambulances. Copy three ambulances total."
The radio traffic also revealed first responders' vulnerability and lack of cover.
"We need more armor. Do we have a fire truck? We need a firetruck, or something parked out in front of this house, we're all pinned down."
Paramedic Adam Finseth was shot and killed while tending to the wounded.
"The ambulance needs to turn it's lights off now! Stop Stop Stop, back up! Have ambulance back off. Get back!"
"Medics, please back off. Medics, back off and turn off lights."
Around 8 a.m., the suspect was reported dead of a self-inflicted gunshot as the children safely exited the home.
WATCH: More coverage of the Burnsville shooting on YouTube: