Gov. Walz, officials react after 3 law enforcement officers shot in western Minnesota: "We are heartbroken"
CYRUS, Minn. -- Officials across the state are reacting after three law enforcement officers were shot -- one fatally -- in western Minnesota Saturday night.
According to the Pope County Sheriff's Office, two of its deputies an a police officer from Starbuck exchanged gunfire with a suspect during an attempted arrest in Cyrus. One of the deputies was hospitalized in critical condition and later died. The other two were injured but will survive. The suspect was also killed.
The deceased deputy was identified by officials and law enforcement agencies as Joshua Owen.
Gov. Tim Walz said his administration is "in touch with local officials and stands ready to support the community."
"Minnesota grieves for the family and colleagues of Pope County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Owen, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last night. Deputy Owen was a husband, a father, a veteran, and a hero," Walz said. "Just last year, he was honored with a distinguished service award after helping to rescue a neighbor from a burning home. He bravely served his state and nation. Gwen and I are praying for his family and community through this tragedy."
Representatives Paul Anderson, of Starbuck, and Mary Franson, of Alexandria, issued a joint statement about the shooting.
READ MORE: Mother of slain Pope County Deputy Josh Owen remembers son as proud father
"We are heartbroken about tonight's incident in Cyrus - this is a tragic reminder of the dangers that our public safety professionals face protecting our communities," the statement said. "Please join us in praying for the families of the officers, the community of Cyrus, the Starbuck Police Department, and the Pope County Sheriff's Office."
Sen. Terry Westrom, of Alexandria, released this statement:
"I am grieved by last night's incident in Cyrus. We lift up in prayer the families, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Josh Owen who tragically lost his life and the other two law enforcement officers who were injured. Owen's legacy of service to our community will always be honored and remembered. Our law enforcement officers risk their lives for our protection every day and we must never forget the dangers they face in their job."
Attorney General Keith Ellison also reacted to the shootings.
"One officer from Starbuck PD & two deputies from the Pope Co. Sheriff's Office were struck by gunfire. Tragically, Deputy Owen lost his life," Ellison said. "We honor him for making the ultimate sacrifice. Our hearts go out to the families, colleagues, and community."
"I am heartbroken to learn about the police shooting in Pope County and the loss of Deputy Owen, who recently received a distinguished service award for his work," Rep. Michelle Fischbach said. "This is a devastating reminder that our men and women in law enforcement put their communities above all else every single day. I am praying for Josh Owen's family and for the whole Pope County community as they mourn the loss of a local hero."
