Minneapolis Shooting Claims Life of Metro Area Firefighter Joseph C. Johns: Community Mourns Loss of Dedicated First Responder
Tragedy struck the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis in the early hours of Sunday morning, as a shooting incident claimed the life of a dedicated metro area firefighter. Joseph C. Johns, a firefighter with the Eden Prairie and Eagan fire departments, was fatally shot in a parking lot behind 901 Cedar Avenue South.
According to police, officers responded to a report of two people having been shot around 12:40 a.m. Sunday. Upon arrival, they found Johns, a man in his 40s, in the parking lot. He was rushed to Hennepin Healthcare, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries.
A second injured man arrived at the hospital in a passenger vehicle, and his injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening. The identity of the second victim has not been released. Police believe shots were fired across 9th Street at a group of people gathered in the parking lot, and shots were exchanged.
The motive behind the shooting is currently unknown, and police are investigating the circumstances leading up to the incident. No arrests have been made, and the community is urged to come forward with any information.
Joseph C. Johns was a dedicated firefighter, serving as a duty-crew firefighter in Eden Prairie since September 2, 2015, and as a career firefighter for the city of Eagan since January 13, 2020. His colleagues and the community are mourning the loss of a brave first responder who selflessly served his community.
The city of Eden Prairie issued a statement, expressing their condolences to Johns’ family and praising his service. “Our hearts are heavy today, and our thoughts are with Joseph’s family as they process this terrible loss,” the statement read.
Eagan officials also paid tribute to Johns, acknowledging his dedication to the fire department and the community. The Eagan Fire Department is grateful for the support of neighboring fire departments, including Burnsville and Inver Grove Heights, who are handling calls on their behalf.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online. The community comes together to mourn the loss of a hero and support the family and colleagues of Joseph C. Johns.
