Minneapolis renames Blaisdell stretch for slain officer
The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved renaming the stretch of Blaisdell Avenue between Franklin Avenue West and 22nd Street West to Officer Jamal Mitchell Way, honoring Officer Jamal Mitchell.
Chief Brian O'Hara and Council Member Jamal Osman praised Mitchell's sacrifice in remarks before the vote, the FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul report said. Mitchell had joined the Minneapolis Police Department in 2022 and was publicly recognized in February 2023 after rushing into a burning home to rescue an elderly couple.
The decision follows Mitchell's killing while on duty. He was ambushed and killed as he tried to aid victims at an apartment shooting that left six people shot, and the attacker was later killed in a gunfight with officers. Mitchell's death was the Minneapolis Police Department's first line-of-duty fatality in 22 years.
The renaming drew praise from law enforcement groups and community members as a permanent tribute to Mitchell's service. City leaders said the new street name will serve as a public reminder of his sacrifice and the risks officers face while serving the community.
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📊 Relevant Data
The killing of Officer Jamal Mitchell was the first line-of-duty death for a Minneapolis Police Department officer in 22 years, since Officer Melissa Schmidt was killed in 2002. ([FOX 9](https://www.fox9.com/news/police-line-duty-deaths-minnesota)) ([FOX 9](https://www.fox9.com/news/police-line-duty-deaths-minnesota)) ([FOX 9](https://www.fox9.com/news/police-line-duty-deaths-minnesota)) ([FOX 9](https://www.fox9.com/news/police-line-duty-deaths-minnesota)) ([FOX 9](https://www.fox9.com/news/police-line-duty-deaths-minnesota)) ([FOX 9](https://www.fox9.com/news/police-line-duty-deaths-minnesota))
Minneapolis, MN law enforcement line of duty deaths: List — FOX 9
In Minnesota, the number of reported assaults on law enforcement officers increased from 467 in 2019 to 794 in 2023. ([KARE 11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/breaking-the-news/assaults-against-police-officers-is-on-the-rise/89-0cee69c8-6e52-42d3-9306-d70cfff61811)) ([KARE 11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/breaking-the-news/assaults-against-police-officers-is-on-the-rise/89-0cee69c8-6e52-42d3-9306-d70cfff61811)) ([KARE 11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/breaking-the-news/assaults-against-police-officers-is-on-the-rise/89-0cee69c8-6e52-42d3-9306-d70cfff61811)) ([KARE 11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/breaking-the-news/assaults-against-police-officers-is-on-the-rise/89-0cee69c8-6e52-42d3-9306-d70cfff61811)) ([KARE 11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/breaking-the-news/assaults-against-police-officers-is-on-the-rise/89-0cee69c8-6e52-42d3-9306-d70cfff61811)) ([KARE 11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/breaking-the-news/assaults-against-police-officers-is-on-the-rise/89-0cee69c8-6e52-42d3-9306-d70cfff61811))
BCA: Assaults against police officers is on the rise — KARE 11
📌 Key Facts
- The council approved renaming Blaisdell Avenue between Franklin Ave W and 22nd St W to Officer Jamal Mitchell Way.
- Officer Jamal Mitchell was killed May 30, 2024, in an ambush while responding to an active shooting that left six people shot.
- Mitchell had served with MPD since 2022 and was previously recognized in 2023 for rescuing a couple from a burning home.
- Chief Brian O’Hara and Council Member Jamal Osman publicly praised Mitchell’s sacrifice in remarks before the vote.
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