The suspect in the Minneapolis shooting that left two people dead and six injured was facing eviction due to previous incidents involving violence and weapons. Court documents reveal the suspect, Carlton Neal Johnson, had a history of alarming behavior at the apartment complex.
Johnson, 35, was identified by multiple law enforcement sources. Although the police were familiar with him, his identity was not confirmed in a news conference by Interim Minneapolis Police Chief Bill Peterson. The shooter reportedly died by suicide.
Background of Events Leading to Eviction
Johnson began renting at Shoreline Plaza, previously Loring Towers, in March 2025. A letter from the apartment’s legal representatives delivered on June 16 provided termination notice due to various incidents. These incidents, starting in January, included an alleged assault in March.
On June 11, Johnson allegedly threatened apartment staff by displaying a firearm. He mentioned acquiring a new weapon to residents shortly thereafter and was seen showing off his gun to passersby.
The eviction letter advised Johnson to comply with Minnesota’s conceal and carry laws and not to show his weapon on the premises. Despite this, he reportedly continued violating the lease terms. On June 19, he made threatening remarks about using a gun, while exposing a firearm to a security officer. Johnson visibly carried his firearm and pointed it at someone in the common area on June 25.
Following these events, law enforcement was called, and Johnson attempted to bribe staff for information about who summoned the police. He was evicted earlier on the day of the shooting. Existing court records showed that Johnson faced a trial and had a hearing set for September 11.
Details of the Shooting
The shooting occurred on September 2, 2026, in downtown Minneapolis. Police identified two fatalities, but their identities remain unconfirmed. Among the injured were three police officers. One officer underwent surgery after being shot twice, while another officer sustained a leg wound. The third officer experienced a non-life-threatening injury.
City officials reported that four officers suffered adverse effects from exposure to an unidentified airborne substance. At a press conference, Peterson commended the officers’ bravery under fire, emphasizing their commitment to confronting danger.
Chief Peterson did not disclose prior interactions between the police and the suspect or explain why an arrest hadn’t been made before the shooting. Updates to this ongoing story will follow.