Full Breakdown
Mass Shooting at Shoreline Plaza Apartment Complex Leaves Three Dead and Multiple Injured
9/6/2026, 11:23:35 AM
Core Event
On a Wednesday in early September 2026, a gunman opened fire inside the Shoreline Plaza (formerly Loring Towers) apartment building in downtown Minneapolis. The shooter, identified as 35-year-old Carlton Neal Johnson, was killed by police after a brief gunfight on the ninth floor. Two residents—Muse A. Afrah, 61, and Dale Henry Spry, 63—were pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that three officers were wounded, while other reports cite six injured persons in total, including building staff. Among the injured was Jan Peterson, the property manager, who was shot approximately six times and remains hospitalized after multiple surgeries.
Background & Context
Court documents show Johnson’s tenancy was under termination. On June 11 he entered the management office openly carrying a firearm and told staff he had obtained a new gun and “would kill someone.” A June 16 eviction notice ordered him to vacate by June 29. The eviction case remained unresolved at the time of the shooting, with a hearing scheduled for later in September.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 3 (including the shooter).
- Injured: reports vary between three police officers and six total injured persons.
- Jan Peterson: shot six times; bullet in pelvic area; multiple four-hour surgeries.
- Police officers injured: Joseph Michnowski and Yahye Ahmed.
Official Statements & Responses
Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), said the Minneapolis Police Department requested that the BCA assume full investigative control. He confirmed Johnson was killed by officer gunfire, not suicide, and that investigators are reviewing surveillance footage to determine who fired first.
Cecil Smith, spokesperson for the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association, expressed sorrow for industry workers victimized by the incident.
On-the-Ground Reports
A local diner remained open the following day, providing a sense of normalcy for residents.
Kendall Coleman, nephew of Dale Spry, recalled his uncle’s character, saying, “I know Dale would have tried to help him instead of hurt him.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of police officers injured: alphanews reports two officers, while fox9 cites three. The precise motive for Johnson’s attack remains under investigation, and it is unclear whether Jan Peterson was specifically targeted because of her role as property manager.
Verbatim Quotes
- “How do you get shot six times and you’re still alive?” — Bob Peterson, witness
- “We're once again heartbroken to see individuals in our industry getting victimized,” — Cecil Smith
- “It is a beautiful community that needs help,” — Kody Kolb
- “Before I knew it, police (were) just swarming the scene. Like, it was (the) fastest response I think I’ve ever seen here,” — Kody Kolb
What’s Next
The BCA has pledged to release additional details as the investigation proceeds. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Jan Peterson’s recovery, and another fundraiser was created by Kendall Coleman to cover funeral expenses for Dale Spry and assist his children. Community leaders continue to call for resources to address safety and mental-health needs in the Loring Park neighborhood.
