Shannon Gooden Identified as Shooter in Burnsville Incident – WCCO News

BURNSVILLE, Minn. — Less than 48 hours after a tragic incident that resulted in the loss of three first responders in Burnsville, WCCO has identified the individual responsible for the deadly shooting.

The shooter, Shannon Gooden, aged 38, succumbed after opening fire on the first responders.

The victims of the shooting were Burnsville police officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand, as well as paramedic Adam Finseth. They lost their lives on Sunday morning while responding to a distress call. Burnsville Sgt. Adam Medlicott was also injured in the incident but has since been discharged from the hospital as of Monday afternoon.

According to the police, an armed man barricaded himself inside a Burnsville residence with seven children. Sources revealed that the mother of some of the children had raised concerns about their safety, prompting the police response.

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The name Shannon Gooden first came to light through scanner reports, which identified a man named Shannon who had barricaded himself inside a Burnsville home. WCCO investigators then linked him to the address where the tragic shootings occurred on Sunday morning.

Property records indicate that Gooden was renting the home where the first responders were fatally shot.

Court records reveal that Gooden had previous convictions for disorderly conduct in 2004 and 2005, as well as a conviction for second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon in 2007.

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In 2020, Gooden petitioned the court for the restoration of his firearm rights. The petition stated that “Mr. Gooden has taken significant steps to demonstrate his value as a productive and law-abiding citizen.” It further argued that by restoring his gun rights, he would be able to protect himself and his family. However, the petition was ultimately denied.

Gooden was a father of five children and was also caring for two others with his girlfriend. While there is no update on their current status, it has been reported that they managed to safely exit the house during the incident.

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Social media footage of Gooden indicates his keen interest in firearms, as he is seen handling and firing weapons on several occasions. Scanner reports also suggest that he possessed multiple guns and ammunition in his residence.

Friends of Gooden have expressed shock and disbelief at his involvement in such a tragic incident.

Reg Chapman

Reg Chapman joined WCCO-TV in May of 2009. He came to WCCO from WNBC-TV in New York City where he covered an array of stories for the station including the Coney Island plane crash, the crane collapse on the city’s east side, 50 shots fired at motorist Sean Bell by New York Police, and a lacrosse team assault at Fairfield High School in Connecticut.