ST. PAUL – The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man killed during a use-of-force incident on May 30 in Minneapolis. Mustafa Mohamed, 35, of Minneapolis, died from multiple gunshot wounds. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified two Minneapolis police officers involved in the incident as Nick Kapinos and Luke Kittock. Both officers are currently on critical incident leave.
Nick Kapinos, with 10 years of law enforcement experience, fired his department handgun, while Luke Kittock, with nine years of experience, fired his department rifle. The incident began when officers responded to an apartment building on Blaisdell Avenue following reports of a shooting. Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell was the first to arrive on the scene. Upon his arrival, he observed two men with injuries in the street, later identified as Mustafa Mohamed and a bystander who had been shot.
Mitchell exited his vehicle and approached Mohamed, who was sitting next to a parked car. He inquired if Mohamed was hurt and needed assistance. Without warning, Mohamed pulled out a handgun and shot Mitchell at close range, incapacitating him. Additional officers arrived and witnessed Mohamed continuing to shoot Mitchell. As they approached, Mohamed began firing at them, prompting Kapinos and Kittock to return fire, striking Mohamed. Despite life-saving attempts by the officers, Mohamed died at the scene. Mitchell was transported to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Luke Kittock was injured during the exchange of gunfire but was treated and released from the hospital. Additionally, a Minneapolis firefighter sustained injuries related to the incident. The bystander who was shot remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
BCA crime scene personnel recovered a handgun with an extended magazine and numerous cartridge casings from the scene. The incident was captured on both body-worn and squad car cameras, which are being reviewed by BCA agents as part of their active investigation. The BCA is also investigating related shootings, including a homicide that occurred in the apartment building, at the request of the Minneapolis Police Department. More information will be available as the investigation progresses.
The tragic events unfolded when Minneapolis police received multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting at the apartment building on Blaisdell Avenue. Officer Jamal Mitchell, known for his dedication and bravery, was dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, he quickly assessed the situation and approached Mustafa Mohamed, who appeared to be injured. Mitchell’s intent was to offer aid, but the situation escalated when Mohamed unexpectedly drew a handgun and shot Mitchell at close range.
The sudden and violent attack left Mitchell incapacitated on the ground. Responding officers, including Nick Kapinos and Luke Kittock, arrived shortly thereafter. They witnessed Mohamed continuing to fire at the incapacitated officer. Recognizing the imminent threat, Kapinos and Kittock took decisive action. Kapinos, a seasoned officer with a decade of experience, fired his department-issued handgun. Kittock, with nine years of service, used his department rifle. Their combined efforts neutralized Mohamed, but despite immediate medical attention, Mohamed was pronounced dead at the scene.
The loss of Officer Jamal Mitchell, who succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, has deeply affected the Minneapolis police community and the broader public. Mitchell was a respected officer known for his commitment to protecting the community. His death is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day.
The investigation by the BCA is thorough, with agents meticulously reviewing all available evidence, including body-worn camera footage and squad car videos. This footage is crucial in understanding the sequence of events and ensuring a transparent investigation. The BCA’s role extends to investigating other related shootings, including a homicide within the apartment building, highlighting the complexity and gravity of the situation.
As the community mourns the loss of Officer Mitchell, there is also a focus on the recovery of those injured. Luke Kittock, who sustained injuries during the gunfire exchange, has been released from the hospital and is recovering. His actions, alongside those of Kapinos, are seen as courageous and necessary to prevent further loss of life.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about police safety and the challenges officers face. The quick escalation of violence in this case underscores the unpredictable nature of law enforcement work. The recovery of a handgun with an extended magazine at the scene points to the heightened risks posed by armed suspects.
The community response has been one of solidarity and support for the officers involved and the families affected by the tragedy. Vigils and memorials for Officer Jamal Mitchell have been organized, highlighting his contributions to the community and the void his loss leaves behind. The police department, while grieving, is also reflecting on the incident to learn and improve safety measures for the future.
This event has also prompted discussions about the need for comprehensive training and preparedness for officers facing similar high-risk situations. The actions of Kapinos and Kittock, while praised, also serve as a reminder of the split-second decisions that officers must make under extreme pressure. Their ability to respond effectively in such a critical moment is a testament to their training and professionalism.
The broader implications of this incident on community-police relations are also being considered. Transparency in the investigation process is paramount to maintaining public trust. The BCA’s active and thorough investigation, along with the release of body camera footage, is essential in providing a clear and accurate account of the events.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring the legacy of Officer Jamal Mitchell and ensuring that such a tragedy is thoroughly examined to prevent future occurrences. The community’s support, coupled with a detailed and transparent investigation, will play a crucial role in healing and moving forward from this devastating event.
In conclusion, the incident involving Officers Nick Kapinos and Luke Kittock, which resulted in the deaths of suspect Mustafa Mohamed and Officer Jamal Mitchell, has profoundly impacted the Minneapolis community. The detailed investigation by the BCA, the recovery efforts for the injured, and the broader discussions about police safety and community relations underscore the complexities and challenges of modern law enforcement. As the community mourns and reflects, the lessons learned from this tragic event will shape future policies and practices to enhance safety and trust between law enforcement and the public they serve.
