CLOQUET, MINN. (AP) – The small town of Cloquet, Minnesota, was rocked by a tragic shooting on Monday, January 8th. The incident occurred at the Super 8 hotel in Cloquet, leading to the deaths of three individuals. The initial 911 call was made by an employee of the hotel who discovered a female coworker with a gunshot wound.
Cloquet Police responded to the call and found the 22-year-old woman, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Additionally, a 35-year-old man was found dead in a car in the hotel parking lot, while a 32-year-old man was later found outside the hotel with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The authorities later confirmed that the 32-year-old man was the suspect behind the shootings.
The identities of the victims have not been disclosed pending family notification. The motive behind the shootings and any potential connection between the suspect and the victims remain unknown. The Cloquet Police Department has extended their sympathies to the families of the victims.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Cloquet Area Fire District, Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, and Minnesota State Patrol, are assisting in the investigation. Governor Tim Walz also expressed his condolences, calling the incident another senseless act of gun violence.
The city of Cloquet is located about 20 miles west of Duluth and partly lies within the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation. Authorities have yet to release further information on the case, including any possible motives for the shooting. As the investigation continues, the community remains in mourning for the lives lost.