Black Cop 'Ambushed', Fatally Shot By Man He Thought Needed Help: Police

A Minneapolis police officer was shot and killed by a man who he thought needed help, according to police.

The fatal shooting of Officer Jamal Mitchell unfolded on Thursday (May 30) after Minneapolis police responded to reports of a double shooting.

According to Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell , gunfire was exchanged between police and civilians upon arrival at the scene.

Mitchell was hit in the shooting and taken to a hospital, where he later died.

The shooting also left a second officer with non-life-threatening injuries, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

During a news conference, Blackwell confirmed another adult was "gravely injured" in the shooting and a second victim died. A firefighter also was left with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Blackwell.

Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement: "Today the city of Minneapolis lost a hero in police officer Jamal Mitchell. This officer gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect and save the lives of others."

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said Mitchell was ambushed in the shooting.

"This is happening far too often in the state of Minnesota and something definitely needs to change," Evans said in a press conference. "What we had today is another police officer that was killed in the line of duty ... was rushing towards danger, who answered a call for service and the first thing he did when he got out of his car was try to help victims ... and he was ambushed."

Evans said police believe there was "some level of acquaintance" among the people involved in the shooting but they still "need to uncover the motive."

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