Burnsville, Minnesota – A Burnsville woman is facing criminal charges for supplying firearms to the man responsible for the tragic shooting of three first responders in Burnsville last month. Ashley Anne Dyrdahl, 35, has been indicted on multiple charges related to straw purchasing, making false statements during gun purchases, and conspiracy. Local, state, and federal authorities announced the charges on Thursday.
The indictment comes after reports that the mother of three children present during the shooting was subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury. Law enforcement officials are actively investigating how the shooter, identified as Shannon Gooden, obtained the weapons used in the incident.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Dyrdahl assisted Gooden in obtaining firearms despite his prior criminal convictions that prohibited him from legally owning guns. Prosecutors allege that Dyrdahl would purchase guns at Gooden’s request, including AR-15-style rifle lower-receivers with specific modifications for increased damage.
Two of the rifles purchased by Dyrdahl were used in the shooting that claimed the lives of officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand, firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth, and injured Sgt. Adam Medlicott. Gooden reportedly fired over 100 rounds during the incident and had a significant stockpile of firearms and ammunition in his possession.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger emphasized the severity of Dyrdahl’s actions, stating that her actions directly contributed to the tragic outcome of the shooting. Burnsville Fire Chief BJ Jungmann expressed hope for accountability in the case, noting that the first responders might still be alive if the guns had not been provided to the shooter by Dyrdahl.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Superintendent Drew Evans highlighted the increasing incidents of violence against police officers in the state, underscoring the urgency for stricter gun control measures and consequences for individuals like Dyrdahl who enable violent offenders.
Despite not physically carrying out the shooting, Dyrdahl faces serious consequences for her role in providing weapons to a convicted felon. The Burnsville Police Chief echoed calls for respect and support for law enforcement officers and emphasized the need to address the rising trend of assaults on first responders.
Dyrdahl is expected to surrender and appear in court later in the day, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Burnsville shooting tragedy.