Photo courtesy Rebecca David, WJON
From WJON’s Jim Maurice:
We now know more information about the off duty police officer who shot and killed an attacker at the Crossroads Mall in St. Cloud on Saturday night.
Mayor Dave Kleis says he is a part-time officer from the Avon police department, and the former Albany Police Chief, Jason Falconer. St. Cloud police chief Blair Anderson says there was only about a five minute span from the time the first 911 call came in to when Officer Falconer shot and killed the suspect in the Macy’s store.
The suspect’s name has not been released yet.
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Here are statements from local and national lawmakers:
After yesterday’s attacks in Minnesota, New Jersey and New York, Hillary Clinton released the following statement:
“I strongly condemn the apparent terrorist attacks in Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York. I pray for all of those who were wounded, and for their families. Once again, we saw the bravery of our first responders who run toward danger to help others. Their quick actions saved lives. Law enforcement officials are working to identify who was behind the attacks in New York and New Jersey and we should give them the support they need to finish the job and bring those responsible to justice – we will not rest until that happens. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack in Minnesota, and this should steel our resolve to protect our country and defeat ISIS and other terrorist groups. I have laid out a comprehensive plan to do that. This includes launching an intelligence surge to help identify and thwart attacks before they can be carried out, and to spot lone wolf attackers. We also need to work with Silicon Valley to counter propaganda and recruitment efforts online. Americans have faced threats before, and our resilience in the face of them only makes us stronger. I am confident we will once again choose resolve over fear.”
Senator Amy Klobuchar:
“Everyone should feel safe in their community — whether they’re at school or a movie theater or a shopping mall. Last night that feeling of safety was greatly shaken when an assailant stabbed eight people at the Crossroads Center Mall in St. Cloud. I have visited the mall many times, and I can’t imagine the horror experienced by those visiting and working there. My heart goes out to the victims and all those who were there last night.”
“While we will learn more about the facts surrounding this horrific attack today, one thing we know for certain this morning: Due to the courageous actions of an off-duty area police officer, the good work of first responders, and the reaction of those present at the mall, lives were saved.”
“I have spoken with both Mayor Kleis and Chief Anderson in St. Cloud. They are both strong leaders, and I know they will do everything necessary to investigate this stabbing and get all the facts out to the community. Citizens and civic and religious leaders in St. Cloud have worked hard over the years to bridge divides and come together.”
“Over the next few days we will learn the facts. But today there is one thing we all share: We are thankful for the bravery of the off-duty officer and first responders who went beyond the call of duty to save lives.”
Governor Mark Dayton:
“I am appalled at the terrible attacks on innocent Minnesotans in St. Cloud last night. If true that they were motivated by religious bigotry, I condemn them even more strongly. There is no place in Minnesota for intolerance of all Americans’ constitutional right to worship according to their beliefs.
“I am deeply grateful to the heroic law enforcement officer, whose swift response prevented an even worse attack. And I extend my very best wishes to the victims for their swift and complete recoveries. I ask everyone in the St. Cloud area and throughout Minnesota to rise above this atrocity and act to make religious and racial tolerance one of the ways in which Minnesotans again lead our country.
“Tomorrow morning, I will travel to St. Cloud to offer my support to city officials and its citizens.”
MN House Speaker Kurt Daudt:
“First and foremost my prayers are with victims and their recovery. I join the chorus of voices across our state expressing gratitude for the swift action of citizens and first responders – those individuals exemplify what it means to be Minnesotan. Officer Falconer’s quick actions saved lives and prevented additional injuries, and we are grateful for his heroism.
“Details emerging from the horrific attack remind us that we must remain vigilant. As state leaders, it is our responsibility and my commitment to do everything we can to keep our communities safe.”