A shooting near an apartment block in downtown Minneapolis, United States, has left two people dead and several others injured, including three police officers.
The incident occurred shortly before 5pm on Wednesday, 2 September. Officers from the Minneapolis Police Department responded to the scene.
Police officers among the injured
Among the injured are three Minneapolis police officers, including two of them from gunshot wounds, police Sgt. Garrett Parten said at a press conference.
A local news outlet reported that one officer sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and another to the leg.
"This is a tremendously tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the families, the loved ones of those who lost their lives, those who were injured and with the injured officers and their families," Sgt. Parten said.
All three officers are in stable condition, according to Hennepin County Medical Center.
Multiple victims and hospital response
Footage shared on social media showed armed police aiming rifles upwards towards an apartment tower close to the Minneapolis Convention Center.
The City of Minneapolis confirmed the shooting involved "multiple victims".
The New York Post has reported that a source suggests several civilians may have lost their lives in the incident, though this has yet to be confirmed.
At least two fatalities have been confirmed by police: One of the victims was fatally shot at the scene, and one died after arriving at the hospital.
Ongoing investigation
According to Hennepin Healthcare Medical Center, seven patients were transported to a nearby hospital. Their conditions remain unknown at this time.
Police have urged members of the public to steer clear of the area.
