On Tuesday afternoon, April 22, 2025, a significant police presence was reported at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota, following a domestic dispute that escalated into a potentially dangerous situation involving a firearm. The incident prompted a lockdown of the hospital, which lasted for over an hour, as authorities responded to reports of someone with a gun inside the facility.
According to Edina Police Chief Todd Milburn, officers received a 911 call at approximately 2:55 p.m. alerting them to the situation. The swift response from law enforcement included multiple agencies, who arrived on the scene within minutes to secure the area and ensure the safety of patients and staff. "During that domestic situation, somebody produced a handgun, and that’s what led to the 911 call," Milburn explained during a media briefing later in the day.
As police secured the hospital, they confirmed that the incident involved a domestic assault or dispute among individuals who were familiar with each other. Fortunately, there were no shots fired during the confrontation, and the individual who was assaulted was reported to be in stable condition.
Edina Police Chief Milburn noted that the suspect, an adult male, had left the hospital premises shortly after the incident occurred. However, he was apprehended in a nearby city shortly before 4 p.m. without any further incidents. A firearm was recovered by police as part of the investigation, which is still ongoing. The suspect has been arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, the hospital was placed on lockdown, and the public was advised to avoid the area near the 6400 block of France Avenue. Police worked diligently to ensure that the hospital was secure, and by around 4:20 p.m., they announced that the situation had been resolved and the area was safe.
Hospital operations were able to resume normal activities shortly after the lockdown was lifted. A spokesperson for Fairview Health Services commended the quick actions of hospital staff and security, stating, "We are extremely grateful to the quick action of our staff and response by our law enforcement partners. We are actively gathering all facts to complete a full incident investigation with Edina Police."
Witness accounts from the scene described a tense atmosphere as law enforcement responded to the situation. WCCO host Denny Long, who was present at the hospital, reported that visitors were instructed to stay in place and could not leave during the lockdown. The incident reportedly may have originated on the eighth floor of the hospital, although this detail has not been officially confirmed by police.
Chief Milburn praised the collaborative efforts of the responding agencies and emphasized the importance of public safety in such situations. “When you think about public safety in a hospital setting or a school setting, that’s first and foremost that we get to the scene and secure it to make sure that everyone is safe,” he said. “It’s unfortunate in this day and age that we see this from time to time, but our officers and public safety staff train for this type of thing, which is why and how you see the response that you do. It’s a lot of resources that come to a scene like this, but it’s very intentional.”
As the investigation continues, police are working to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the domestic dispute and the individuals involved. Authorities have not released the identity of the suspect at this time, but they have assured the public that they will provide updates as more details become available.
The incident at Fairview Southdale Hospital serves as a reminder of the potential for violence in domestic situations and the importance of rapid response from law enforcement. With the hospital now back to normal operations, patients and staff can feel secure as they continue to receive care.
As the community reflects on the events of the day, the Edina Police Department has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike. The department has also expressed gratitude for the cooperation and professionalism displayed by hospital staff during the crisis.
In summary, the incident at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital on April 22, 2025, highlights the critical nature of emergency preparedness and response in healthcare settings, as well as the ongoing challenges posed by domestic violence. With the situation now resolved, the focus shifts to healing and recovery for those affected.
