A shooting at the Loring Towers apartment complex in Minneapolis on Wednesday evening resulted in two fatalities and six injuries, with the suspected gunman later found dead inside the building. Interim Police Chief Bill Peterson stated that Carlton Johnson II, 35, began firing inside the complex on Wednesday evening. One victim died at the scene, and another succumbed to injuries after arriving at the hospital. Additionally, two officers sustained gunshot wounds: one in the leg and another twice in the abdomen.
Johnson's death occurred within the building during a standoff, and it remains unclear whether he died by suicide or was shot by law enforcement. Images of Johnson emerged following reports that he was facing eviction proceedings from his apartment due to threats made against neighbors. Court documents indicated that an eviction order was issued in June, but Johnson was contesting it.
According to property managers, Johnson's erratic behavior began in January with loud arguments and persistent knocking on a neighbor's door. On March 23, he allegedly assaulted a resident. By June, he began openly carrying a firearm. A complaint states that on June 11, Johnson was seen with his gun and entered the management office, allegedly waving the weapon at multiple personnel. On the same day, Johnson reportedly told other residents he had acquired a new gun and intended to kill someone. Two days later, he was seen displaying his gun on the sidewalk.
Despite the eviction order, Johnson reportedly assured property managers he would comply with the lease if allowed to remain, provided he ceased displaying weapons. He was scheduled to appear in court for an eviction hearing on September 11.
While a definitive motive for the shooting remains under investigation, Minneapolis police acknowledged they were "familiar" with the suspect. Chris Miller, a resident of Shoreline Plaza, told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that Johnson had earlier confided in him, expressing intentions to shoot his ex-girlfriend and two building property managers. Miller also claimed to have emailed building management, warning them of Johnson's remarks days before the incident.
Miller recounted meeting Johnson a few months prior and observing him display his handgun and concealed carry permit. Miller also noted that Johnson lived alone and had children who did not reside with him, and was reportedly upset about a recent breakup.
Derrick Thompson, a former resident of the complex, described Johnson as frequently seen drinking outside and involved in a child custody dispute, with his car recently repossessed. "He was fighting people every day, every damn day," Thompson said. "He lost everything."
Moments before the shooting, an unidentified woman reported that Johnson had threatened to kill the mother of his child. She recounted an encounter on the ninth floor where Johnson grabbed her, stating his intent to kill the mother of his child while she witnessed it. He then released her, saying she did not deserve it and always prayed for him. The woman stated he still vowed to kill the mother of his child before she left the building. Upon her return, she found they could not enter.
Seven patients were transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey commended the responding officers, stating their actions likely prevented a higher death toll. Chief Peterson expressed distress over the incident, noting it was the third such event in his 31-year career, and praised the officers' bravery.