Minneapolis Shooter Faced Eviction Prior to Deadly Incident
By September 3, 2026, a man suspected of a mass shooting at a downtown Minneapolis apartment complex was facing eviction due to several incidents, including assault and the display of a firearm. Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as 35-year-old Carlton Neal Johnson, whose actions led to two deaths and injuries to six others.
Interim Minneapolis Police Chief Bill Peterson noted that police were acquainted with the suspect but refrained from confirming his identity. Johnson died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to sources from WCCO.
Johnson had been residing at the Shoreline Plaza complex on East Grant Street since March 2025. On June 16, a law firm acting on behalf of the apartment informed him of lease termination effective June 29, due to a series of problematic incidents.
The eviction notice highlighted six incidents beginning in January, including a March occurrence where Johnson allegedly assaulted a resident. On June 11, Johnson reportedly entered the management office and openly showed a firearm to staff members. Around this period, he informed residents about acquiring a new gun, and two days later, displayed the gun to individuals on a nearby sidewalk.
Johnson sought another chance from apartment management, as court filings reveal, but was instructed to adhere to Minnesota’s conceal and carry laws and avoid displaying firearms on the premises. Despite warnings, Johnson violated the lease and further directives. On June 19, he made troubling statements about gun use to a security officer, lifting his shirt to show his firearm. Later, on June 25, he was seen with his firearm around the complex and threatened another resident.
Police involvement ensued, and Johnson attempted to bribe staff for information on who contacted authorities. Sources confirmed that he had been evicted prior to the deadly shooting. Court documents indicated a scheduled trial and hearing on September 11.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the deceased victims of the shooting. Of the injured, three were police officers, one undergoing surgery after sustaining two shots in the stomach. Another officer was shot in the leg, while a third was being evaluated for non-critical injuries. Additionally, city officials reported four officers’ adverse reactions after exposure to an unidentified airborne substance during the incident.
Chief Peterson commented on the bravery of officers responding to gunfire and emphasized the horrific nature of the situation. However, he did not provide specific details regarding prior police interactions with Johnson or the lack of arrest.
Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.