Minnesota Woman Accused of Illegally Purchasing Firearms Used in Fatal Armed Standoff
A significant other’s criminal past did not hinder a Minnesota woman from allegedly purchasing firearms on their behalf, according to the US Attorney’s Office in Minnesota. Ashley Anne Dyrdahl, 35, is charged with conspiring to purchase and illegally transfer five firearms to her partner, Shannon Gooden, despite his status as a felon. These weapons were later used during an armed standoff that left three first responders dead and seven children in peril.
On February 18, 2024, at the couple’s Burnsville residence, Gooden barricaded himself inside with his family, including seven children ranging in age from 2 to 15. When first responders arrived at the scene to address a domestic disturbance, Gooden opened fire, fatally wounding two police officers – Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27 years old – and a 40-year-old firefighter-paramedic, Adam Finseth. Another officer sustained injuries.
Gooden also perished in the violent confrontation, with law enforcement agencies reporting that he had “several guns and a large amount of ammunition” at the scene. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension shared this information during a press conference, leaving the public to ponder how such a violent felon had acquired these deadly weapons.
Knowingly Aiding a Felon’s Firearm Acquisition
US Attorney Andrew Luger addressed the community’s concerns during a press conference on Thursday, confirming that Gooden was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his 2008 second-degree assault conviction in Dakota County. Dyrdahl, who was aware of this felony status, allegedly purchased five firearms for Gooden between September 2023 and January 2024 from two different federal firearms licensees (FFLs).
Dyrdahl’s actions earned her one count of conspiracy, five counts of straw purchasing, and five counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm. The indictment filed in the US District Court of Minnesota also alleged that Dyrdahl knowingly and intentionally transferred these firearms to Gooden.
The Ultimate Sacrifice: Honoring the Fallen Heroes
At the time of writing, Dyrdahl was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Her current legal representation remains undisclosed.
The lives lost during this tragic incident were identified as officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth. Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz expressed her deepest condolences to the families of these brave men, mourning them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their community.
Unraveling the Mysteries Surrounding the Armed Standoff
As investigations continue, more information will be uncovered regarding how Dyrdahl obtained and transferred the firearms that played a fatal role in this heartbreaking incident. Stay tuned for updates.
