Man Who Carried Out Deadly Minneapolis Shooting
Goldlaner.com – The man who carried out deadly gunfire at a downtown Minneapolis apartment complex on Wednesday evening killed two residents and wounded five others before responding officers shot him dead. Carlton Johnson, the man who carried out the deadly attack, had been informally investigated by Hennepin County prosecutors just weeks earlier for displaying a handgun during a June encounter, though no charges were ultimately filed.
What Happened at the Apartment Complex
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions superintendent Drew Evans said Johnson opened fire just outside the building’s main entrance during a scheduled custody handoff of his child to the woman believed to be the child’s mother. He wounded that woman; the child was unharmed. Johnson then shot two building employees before taking an elevator to the ninth floor, where he killed two residents. Evans noted that investigators had not yet determined whether those two individuals were deliberately targeted or simply encountered in the hallway. Police converged after initial gunfire reports and engaged Johnson in a brief exchange of fire that ended his life.
The June Handgun Investigation
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty disclosed Thursday that the man who carried out the deadly shooting had shown a handgun during an incident on June 25, though the weapon never left his waistband. Minneapolis Police responded to that day’s call and confirmed he held a valid permit to carry. Moriarty explained her office declined to file charges because there was “insufficient evidence to prove a charge beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Court documents reviewed in connection with the case revealed that Johnson was in the process of being evicted from the building and had, over the months preceding the incident, threatened another resident with a gun. Those filings painted a picture of escalating tension inside the complex that neighbors said they had witnessed firsthand.
Officer Injuries and Hospitalizations
Three of the five wounded were Minneapolis police officers. Two were struck directly by gunfire during the operation; a third sustained injuries in a separate part of the response. Officials described one officer as having been shot in the leg and another as having taken two rounds to the abdomen. All three were transported to hospitals and were expected to make full recoveries, police said.
Resident Accounts and Neighborhood Fallout
Julius Bailey, who moved into the building in June, was sitting with a friend just outside the entrance when the first shots rang out. He recognized the gunman as a fellow resident, heard a woman scream, and bolted for cover, counting eight shots as he ran. Bailey characterized the man as well known in the building for aggressive behavior and for displaying his weapon, saying he had gone out of his way to avoid him since moving in.
“I could tell he was trouble,” Bailey said.
Chris Miller, another resident, described hearing a rapid burst of gunfire and immediately running outside. Miller said he believed he knew who was responsible and recounted encountering someone with a handgun in the hallway earlier that week, reporting the sighting to building management.
Council Response and Displacement
Minneapolis council member Elizabeth Shaffer, who represents the neighborhood where the shooting took place, said 16 displaced residents had taken shelter overnight in a nearby church, with the American Red Cross providing on-site support. Shaffer noted that her office had received no prior constituent complaints about building safety or management practices.
“That is surprising when you read the news reports, you know, of what was happening in the building, but there was, we have heard nothing,” Shaffer said.
Investigation Status
By Thursday, dozens of law enforcement personnel remained at the apartment complex, accompanied by a mobile crime-scene unit deployed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions. Investigators were combing the site for evidence as they worked to reconstruct the full timeline from the custody handoff through the final exchange of fire on the ninth floor. Evans framed the tragedy in terms that underscored how domestic disputes can spiral into mass-casualty events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Minneapolis apartment shooting take place?
The shooting occurred at a downtown Minneapolis apartment complex. Minneapolis council member Elizabeth Shaffer represents the neighborhood where the incident happened. The exact street address was not specified in official reporting.
How many people were killed or injured?
Two residents were killed. Five additional people were wounded, including three Minneapolis police officers. Gunman Carlton Johnson was shot dead by responding officers.
What triggered the shooting?
Investigators said the violence began during a scheduled custody handoff of Johnson’s child to the woman believed to be the child’s mother, just outside the building’s main entrance.
Was Johnson previously investigated by prosecutors?
Yes. Hennepin County prosecutors informally investigated Johnson after he displayed a handgun during a June 25 incident. No charges were filed because of insufficient evidence to prove a charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
What is happening with displaced residents?
Sixteen displaced residents took shelter overnight in a nearby church, with the American Red Cross providing on-site support. Council member Shaffer said her office had received no prior complaints about building safety or management.