A 35-year-old Minneapolis apartment resident suspected in a shooting that killed three people, including the gunman, was reportedly facing eviction from the building. Court records cited in reports alleged that he had threatened residents, assaulted another tenant and displayed a firearm on the property. Three police officers were injured during the response, including two who were shot. Authorities have not announced a motive for the September 2 shooting.
The incident unfolded at a high-rise apartment building in downtown Minneapolis after police received reports of gunfire. Officers entered the building, found victims and followed additional gunfire to an upper floor, where limited visibility complicated the response.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Suspect’s reported identity and housing status |
| 2) | Allegations in the eviction proceedings |
| 3) | Police response inside the high-rise |
| 4) | Reported criminal history and pending court date |
| 5) | Investigation into the shooting |
Suspect’s reported identity and housing status
Carlton Neal Johnson II, 35, was identified in reports as the suspected gunman in the downtown Minneapolis apartment shooting. He reportedly lived at the Shoreline Plaza apartment complex from March 2025 until the incident on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Johnson also died during the shooting, although officials had not explained how he was killed.
Allegations in the eviction proceedings
Court records reportedly showed that Johnson was facing eviction from the apartment complex. The proceedings alleged that he made threatening statements and assaulted another resident in March. The records also alleged that, in mid-June, he walked through the property with a firearm openly displayed and entered the building’s management office while showing the weapon to several employees.
Reports further said Johnson told other residents that he had obtained a new firearm and would kill someone. Johnson reportedly denied the allegations in the eviction case. A court hearing had been scheduled for September 11, after the shooting.
Police response inside the high-rise
Police began arriving at approximately 4:39 p.m. after an initial call reporting one person shot was followed by additional 911 reports of gunfire. Officers entered the high-rise, encountered victims and heard more shots. They followed the sound to an upper floor, where a haze significantly reduced visibility.
Three officers were injured during the response, with two suffering gunshot wounds. Reports said the officers were shot in the shin and abdomen. Sgt. Garrett Parten said investigators were still determining the circumstances of the suspected gunman’s death.
“Inside, officers encountered victims and heard additional gunfire. Officers followed the sound of gunfire to the upper floor of the building and on that floor, officers encountered a haze that significantly limited their visibility.”
Reported criminal history and pending court date
Reports said Johnson had been linked to 34 criminal cases in the Twin Cities. Most were described as traffic violations, while the record also included two assault charges and two misdemeanor drug cases. He pleaded guilty in 2012 to violating a contact order in a domestic abuse case, according to reported court information.
The eviction case remained unresolved before the shooting. Johnson’s scheduled September 11 court date was therefore pending at the time of the attack, and the allegations in the filing had not been adjudicated.
Investigation into the shooting
The shooting left three people dead, including Johnson, and injured three Minneapolis police officers. Interim Minneapolis Police Chief Bill Peterson said investigators were familiar with Johnson, but authorities had not identified a motive. Police continued working to establish the sequence of events, determine how Johnson died and document the conditions inside the building.
The investigation followed a rapid response to a complex indoor scene involving multiple victims, additional gunfire and impaired visibility. Authorities had not released further details about the victims or identified a reason for the attack.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The suspected gunman was identified as 35-year-old Carlton Neal Johnson II. |
| 2 | He reportedly faced eviction over alleged threats, an assault and firearm incidents. |
| 3 | Three people died, including the suspected gunman, and three officers were injured. |
| 4 | A September 11 eviction hearing had been scheduled before the shooting. |
| 5 | Police had not announced a motive or explained how the suspect died. |
Summary
The Minneapolis shooting investigation is examining both the attack and the suspect’s reported history at the apartment complex. Eviction records described earlier allegations involving threats, an assault and firearm displays, but the claims had not been resolved in court. Officials are continuing to determine the motive, the suspect’s cause of death and the full sequence of the shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was identified as the suspected gunman?
Reports identified the suspect as 35-year-old Carlton Neal Johnson II, a resident of the Shoreline Plaza apartment complex.
Why was the suspect reportedly facing eviction?
Court records reportedly cited allegations involving threatening statements, an assault against another resident and displaying a firearm on the property. Johnson denied the allegations.
How many people were killed or injured?
Three people died, including the suspected gunman, and three police officers were injured. Two officers reportedly suffered gunshot wounds.
