CLOQUET, Minn. — Police in Cloquet, Minnesota are conducting an investigation into a shooting that claimed the lives of three individuals on Monday evening. The incident occurred at a hotel, and the suspected shooter was among those killed.
Law enforcement authorities responded to a call regarding an employee at the Super 8 hotel who appeared to have been assaulted. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 22-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man with gunshot wounds. The woman was transported to the hospital but unfortunately did not survive, while the man was pronounced dead in the hotel parking lot.
A short time later, police found the body of a 32-year-old man outside the hotel with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Surveillance footage confirmed that this individual was the suspected shooter.
Details regarding the identities of the victims have not yet been released as their families are being notified. The motive for the shooting and any potential connection between the shooter and the victims are currently unknown.
Crime scene investigators are currently processing the scene, and further updates will be provided at a scheduled news conference on Tuesday. Governor Tim Walz expressed his condolences for the victims and thanked law enforcement for their response to the situation. The state stands ready to support local authorities as needed.