Cloquet in Minnesota was shaken by a tragic shooting at a local motel that led to the death of two guests, including the suspect. The incident occurred before law enforcement and the community were alerted. This article examines the events that occurred at Super 8 Hotel before providing insights into law enforcement’s and community’s responses.
What happened at the Super 8 hotel in Cloquet, Quebec?
Gunfire erupted at the Super 8 hotel in Cloquet on a Monday night that was otherwise routine. A police officer was alerted by an employee at 6:30 pm about a person who looked like he had been attacked. Within three minutes, officers were on the scene and faced with a very serious situation.
The 22-year old hotel clerk who was found with multiple gunshot wounds died tragically despite receiving medical treatment at the hospital. In the parking lot of the hotel, a 35-year old Deer River man was found dead with multiple gunshot injuries inside his car. Evidence suggests that he was acting in self-defense. Then, on Ramsey property, another 32-year old male was discovered deceased. Evidence suggested self-inflicted wound evidence, along with a handgun nearby. Surveillance footage confirmed that this individual was responsible.
The hotel surveillance system recorded the entire shooting incident approximately 10 minutes before police arrived. At this point, the names of those involved in the shooting have not been made public and authorities are continuing their investigation into motives and connections between three. Both men are suspected to have been guests of the hotel.
What happened and how did it end?
A chain of alarming events occurred at the Super 8 Hotel in Cloquet Minnesota after an employee initially called for help. Cloquet Police chief Derek Randall was impressed by the speed with which officers found victims upon arrival. The 22-year old clerk who was found inside the building with severe injuries was immediately transported to hospital, where she succumbed. Two more bodies were found outside. One was in a car and the other on hotel property.
The surveillance video played a crucial role in reconstructing this tragic event. The video revealed a 10-minute period of chaos and violence, before the police arrived, and it identified a 32-year old man from Ramsey, as the shooter. He died after self-inflicted bullet wounds.
The violent incident caused an immediate panic, which led to a massive public safety response. A public alert called for residents to take cover if there was an active shooter in the area. The police helped hockey fans safely leave the area. 90 minutes later, the alert was lifted when it was confirmed that the suspect had died and there were no other threats to public safety.
What is the response of the community and government?
Cloquet is home to 12,000 people and has been devastated by the shooting that occurred at the Super 8 Hotel, which is located only minutes away. The shooting at the Super 8 hotel, located just minutes from residents in Cloquet, has left them reeling.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz spoke at a separate press conference about the shooting, highlighting its personal impact in small towns where everyone knows someone who was involved. In his statement, Walz addressed not only the sorrow and shock of survivors but also gun violence as an issue that affects society in general. Governor Walz expressed his growing concern about gun-related incidents being normalized, and called for a more comprehensive response.
Cloquet, Minnesota and the nation as a entire are dealing with the aftermath of this tragic event. The tragedy has sparked discussions about public safety, gun controls and how to prevent future tragedies. A collective mourning is accompanied by an urgent call to action, ensuring everyone’s safety and wellbeing.