Man who killed two police officers and an EMT before killing himself identified as Shannon Cortez Gooden

Several law enforcement sources and neighbors residing adjacent to the incident have disclosed to Channel3 NOW that the individual responsible for fatally shooting two police officers and an EMT before taking his own life is identified as Shannon Cortez Gooden.

While the medical examiner’s office will provide official confirmation of the identity, sources and court records also associate Gooden with the address connected to Sunday’s tragic shooting.

Court documents reveal that the 38-year-old was legally barred from possessing firearms due to a 2008 conviction for second-degree felony assault with a deadly weapon.

Eleven years later, in 2019, Gooden petitioned the court to have his firearm rights reinstated.

In an affidavit, Gooden stated, “I seek the ability to safeguard not only myself but also my family.” He indicated that he had completed an anger management course and a parenting course.

Gooden mentioned having five children, ranging in age from 11 months to 11 years old at the time of signing the sworn statement in December 2019, and also mentioned his responsibility for his girlfriend’s two children, aged 8 and 10 at that time.

“I have undergone significant personal and professional development since my conviction,” expressed Gooden. “I deeply regret and have gleaned valuable lessons from the mistakes of my past. I am eager for an opportunity to demonstrate myself as a contributing member of society.” According to court records, First District Court Judge Dannia Edwards rejected the request in October 2020.

On February 18, 2024, at 2 a.m., sources confirmed that Gooden discharged a firearm at first responders from a second-floor window of the residence he was renting on 33rd Avenue South in Burnsville.

Police were dispatched in response to a report of a domestic disturbance involving a man who had barricaded himself with his family inside the home.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension disclosed that seven children, aged 2 to 15, were present in the residence.

Burnsville police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, as well as firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth, tragically lost their lives. Sgt. Adam Medlicott sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital, according to Burnsville officials, with his injuries not deemed life-threatening.

According to court records, Gooden had two petitions for orders of protection filed against him, one citing allegations of domestic abuse and the other alleging domestic assault.

This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.