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Traces of gunshots on the police vehicle at the crime scene in Burnsville
Photo: Abbie Parr / AP
Two police officers and a paramedic were killed during an operation in the US state of Minnesota. A man who had barricaded himself in his house with his children opened fire on the responding officers on Sunday morning, the police said. The shooter is also dead. The seven children between the ages of two and 15 remained unharmed.
According to police, an emergency call was received early Sunday morning from a house in the city of Burnsville, south of Minneapolis, where an armed man appeared to be holding members of his family. The police began negotiations with the man until he opened fire.
At least one of the officers killed was shot inside the home. Another police officer was taken to hospital with injuries. Gov. Tim Walz called the deaths of the police officers and paramedics “heartbreaking.”
Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz praised the killed emergency services as “heroes.” Accordingly, the two police officers killed were both 27 years old, the paramedic was a 40-year-old man.
Repeated incidents - but no change
Gun violence is an everyday problem in the United States, where there are more guns than people. On Wednesday, one person was killed and 21 others were injured in a gun attack during the celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl victory.
According to polls, a majority of Americans are in favor of stricter gun laws. In the past, such initiatives have repeatedly failed due to resistance from conservative Republicans in Congress and the powerful gun lobby. Especially in an election year like 2024, the issue is becoming significantly politically charged. After every rampage or massacre, conservative politicians send “their prayers” to those left behind - but they do nothing to change the actual problem for fear of voter resentment.
jok/AFP