In the early hours of May 31, 2024, Minneapolis was shaken by a mass shooting that left three people dead, including Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell. The tragedy unfolded on Blaisdell Avenue South when police officers responded to reports of a shooting. In an act of heroism that would not be rewarded in life, Officer Mitchell stopped to help what appeared to be a victim in need. Tragically, this was an ambush; the man Mitchell had tried to save shot him dead. The 36-year-old officer later died at the hospital.
Mitchell had only been with the Minneapolis Police Department for about a year and a half but was described as exceptional. In February 2023, he helped an elderly couple out of a burning home in Minneapolis. His heroism did not go unnoticed; he was remembered by his peers and superiors for his dedication to duty.
The shooting incident caused chaos in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis. In addition to Officer Mitchell, two other individuals were killed, while at least four others, including a police officer and a firefighter, were injured. The suspected shooter was among the dead.
In response to this tragedy, Law Enforcement Labor Services Benevolent Fund set up an online platform for donations to Officer Mitchell's family. The platform is verified by both the City of Minneapolis and Mitchell's family. All proceeds will go directly to his grieving family.
Governor Tim Walz ordered that flags be flown at half-staff in honor of fallen officer Jamal Mitchell, who made the ultimate sacrifice while trying to save a life. In a statement, MPPOA Executive Director Brian Peters said,
