Home / Crime and Justice / Burnsville First Responders Tragedy: New Evidence Released
Burnsville First Responders Tragedy: New Evidence Released
25 Mar
Summary
- Evidence includes 12 body camera footage and thousands of photos.
- Three first responders died in a Feb. 18, 2024, standoff.
- The shooter's girlfriend was sentenced for buying him five weapons.
New evidence has been released by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension regarding the fatal 2024 shooting of three Burnsville first responders. The evidence includes footage from 12 body cameras and thousands of photos, offering a look into the events of February 18, 2024.
Officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand, along with firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, lost their lives during a tense standoff. First responders had been negotiating with the suspect, Shannon Gooden, for hours at his residence while his girlfriend and seven children were present. The initial call to the home was for a reported sexual assault.
Footage released depicts the challenging negotiations and the chaotic moments when Gooden opened fire. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, Gooden fired upon officers. Tragically, he also fired at first responders attempting to provide aid, injuring one officer who survived. Gooden later died by suicide.
Following the incident, Gooden's girlfriend, Ashley Dyrdahl, was charged for purchasing five firearms for him, including weapons used in the shooting. She received a sentence of three years and nine months in prison in September 2025. The City of Burnsville has requested privacy for the families affected by this tragedy.
