Minnesota man tells wife it’s ‘his day to die’ before shooting officers, complaint says.
Minnesota Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers
A Minnesota man, Karl Thomas Holmberg, 64, is facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and assault of a peace officer after shooting at five law enforcement officers who arrived at his home to serve a search warrant. According to a criminal complaint filed on Friday, Holmberg told his wife that it was “his day to die” when he learned about the presence of the drug task force officers.
The incident, which took place in rural Glendorado Township, resulted in a tense four-hour standoff before Holmberg was apprehended. The officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and Holmberg himself was shot in the foot.
Standoff and Exchange of Gunfire
As the officers announced their presence and attempted to enter the home, gunshots were fired almost immediately. Holmberg had multiple guns prepared on a bed, and he began shooting through the closed bedroom door using a military-style rifle. His wife, who was inside the house, was unharmed and informed him about the officers’ presence.
Despite urging his wife to join him in fighting the police, she refused, leading Holmberg to call her a “coward.” He continued to shoot at the officers as they kicked in the door.
Discovery of Weapons and Injuries
Upon searching the bedroom, officers found handguns, a shotgun, a rifle, and one of the officer’s guns, along with shell casings in both the bedroom and living room. The complaint did not mention whether any drugs were discovered.
One officer remains hospitalized with substantial injuries after being shot in the chest and hip, while another officer is still recovering from an arm injury. Three other officers, who were wearing bullet-resistant vests, have been released. A sixth officer present at the scene was unharmed.
Prior Criminal History
Records indicate that Holmberg had previous encounters with law enforcement, including convictions for cocaine possession in 1986 and felony drug possession in 2006. In 2019, he was convicted of a petty misdemeanor for not wearing a seatbelt.
At his first court appearance, Holmberg’s bail was set at $6 million without conditions or $3 million with standard conditions. He is scheduled to appear in court again on October 24. As of now, he does not have legal representation, and his application for a public defender was denied.
The investigation is ongoing, and body-worn camera footage will not be released until its conclusion.
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, rifles, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. They also discovered multiple bullet holes in the bedroom door and walls. One officer suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder, while another was hit in the leg. The remaining officers were able to take cover and return fire, suppressing Holmberg’s shooting and preventing further casualties.
Motive and Criminal History
The criminal complaint states that Holmberg had an extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for drug-related offenses. The drug task force officers were serving a warrant related to suspected drug activity at the residence. It is believed that Holmberg’s actions were an attempt to resist arrest and avoid further consequences for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
Furthermore, Holmberg’s wife informed the police that her husband had mentioned suicidal thoughts in the past and had become increasingly erratic and confrontational in recent weeks. She stated that he often talked about wanting to “take down the system” and frequently expressed disdain for law enforcement officers.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
Karl Thomas Holmberg is currently in custody and is expected to make his first court appearance soon. He has been charged with five counts of attempted first-degree murder and five counts of assault of a peace officer. If convicted, he could face significant prison time, given the severity of the charges and his criminal history.
The officers involved in the incident have been praised for their bravery and professionalism in handling the dangerous situation. Their quick response and coordinated efforts were instrumental in bringing the situation under control and preventing further harm to themselves and others.
Conclusion
The attempted murder of law enforcement officers is a grave offense that threatens the safety and well-being of the community. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face daily while carrying out their duties to protect and serve. It highlights the importance of supporting initiatives that promote officer safety and mental well-being, as well as the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing drug-related crimes and their associated challenges.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it is crucial that justice is served and that the officers involved receive the support they need to recover from the traumatic experience. Additionally, this incident should serve as an opportunity for reflection and reevaluation of existing protocols and strategies to ensure the safety of both law enforcement officers and the public they serve.
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