Minnesota governor calls shooting of 5 officers in Benton County "horrific," says all are in stable condition
UPDATE (Oct. 13, 2023): Karl Holmberg has been charged in connection with this shooting. What follows is a revised version of this story.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the shooting of five officers in Benton County a "horrific incident" that highlights the importance of public safety.
According to the Benton County Sheriff's Office, all five shot are members of the Sherburne County Drug Task Force. They were confronted by the suspect while executing a search warrant Thursday morning. Are all expected to survive.
The suspect — identified as 64-year-old Karl Holmberg, who was formally charged Friday — was injured, and was taken into custody hours later.
Walz spoke more on the shooting at an unrelated news conference Thursday afternoon.
"We had a tragic incident take place today in Benton County near Princeton, five officers were shot in a situation that is still unfolding," Walz said. "At this point in time, I can tell you, in coordinating with DPS, BCA and the lead agencies out in Benton County and Sherburne, that the five officers are all in stable condition and it appears like we'll move to recovery, which we continue to pray for and grateful for. The suspect is in custody as of this time."
Walz added that the incident highlights the importance of "those that are willing to serve us" and of public safety.
The governor also called the incident "horrific" in a social media post.
The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association also released a statement earlier Thursday.
"Today five police officers were shot & injured in Benton Co, near Princeton, MN. Please pray for the officers and their families as they undergo medical treatment. Today's injuries once again illustrate the increased and grave danger posed to law enforcement & communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the responding officers, for answering the call in the face of danger and putting their lives on the line to help victims of crime and to keep the public safe."
Of the five officers injured, three were from the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office, one was from the Princeton Police Department and another was from the Elk River Police Department. Their injuries are described as non-life threatening.
