Summary (tl;dr)

A mass shooting at a downtown Minneapolis apartment building, identified as Shoreline Plaza (formerly Loring Towers), resulted in three deaths, including the suspected shooter Carlton Johnson II, and six injuries, including three police officers.

Essential Background

The suspected shooter, Carlton Johnson II, was reportedly facing eviction from his ninth-floor apartment at the Shoreline Plaza building (formerly Loring Towers). Court documents indicate a pattern of concerning behavior, including allegedly assaulting another resident, openly displaying a firearm, and making threats to kill someone. His eviction trial was scheduled for the following week.

The Full Story

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, a mass shooting unfolded at an apartment building at 15 East Grant Street in downtown Minneapolis, near the Loring Park neighborhood. Police received multiple 911 calls around 4:30 p.m. and, upon arrival, encountered victims and heard additional gunfire. Officers, including SWAT teams, ascended the building amidst a "haze" that limited visibility, and exchanged gunfire with the suspect. The incident resulted in the deaths of two civilians and the suspected shooter, Carlton Johnson II. Additionally, six people were injured, including three Minneapolis police officers, two of whom sustained gunshot wounds. The suspect reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, though authorities are still investigating the exact cause of death. The shooting is believed to have started as a domestic incident.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in urban areas. The involvement of an individual with a documented history of threats and an impending eviction underscores potential breakdowns in addressing high-risk individuals before tragic events occur. The rapid and extensive response from multiple law enforcement agencies, resulting in injuries to police officers, also emphasizes the dangers faced by first responders. The community is urged to avoid the affected area, reflecting the immediate disruption and fear caused by such an event.

Geographic Location

• 15 East Grant Street, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States (mass shooting at Shoreline Plaza apartment building, formerly Loring Towers)
• Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States (where injured civilians and officers were treated, and one victim died)
• Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States (reunification location for affected residents)