The suspect in a fatal shooting at a Minneapolis apartment complex, identified by sources as Carlton Johnson II, allegedly made threats of violence, including stating he would "kill someone," in the months leading up to the incident. Johnson, 35, was facing eviction from the Shoreline Plaza apartments, with a court hearing scheduled for September 11, nine days before the shooting.
According to reports, Johnson allegedly killed two people and injured six others, including three police officers, before apparently taking his own life. Police have not formally named the suspect but he was identified by individuals familiar with the investigation.
Neighbors reported that Johnson had displayed his firearm and made threats toward residents and property managers. One neighbor, Chris Miller, told the Star Tribune that Johnson had said, "I'm going to shoot people" days before the rampage, describing him as "very, very angry, drunk and mad."
Another former resident, Derrick Thompson, claimed Johnson was frequently in altercations with others, stating he was "fighting people every day." Thompson also noted that Johnson, who lived alone, appeared to have "lost everything" and was involved in a child custody dispute, with his car recently repossessed.
Records indicate Johnson had a history of lease violations at the apartment complex. A notice of lease termination was issued on June 16, citing seven incidents between January and June. These included disturbing the peace, arguments with residents, and allegedly assaulting another resident on March 23. In June, he reportedly displayed a firearm and told residents he would "kill someone."
Johnson was warned that legal action would follow if he did not vacate the premises by June 29. His eviction trial, initially scheduled for August, was moved to September 11.
Authorities confirmed the suspect was known to law enforcement. Court documents reviewed by the Star Tribune reveal a history of domestic abuse allegations. In 2012, Johnson violated a contact order and received probation. In 2018, he was charged with domestic assault after his sister alleged he became violent during a drunken rage, during which he reportedly told her he was "not afraid to shoot people in the face." That charge was later dropped after he pleaded to a misdemeanor property damage charge, receiving a 90-day jail sentence with 86 days stayed.
The motive for the shooting, which occurred shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, has not been officially released. Law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire and discovered multiple victims in the building's lobby. Further gunfire was heard as officers proceeded to an upper floor. One victim died at Hennepin County Medical Center, and another was pronounced dead at the scene. Three officers were injured, two by gunfire. Interim Minneapolis Police Chief Bill Peterson described the event as "cowardly acts of a violent shooter" and praised the officers' response.
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