'He Tried To Kill Me': Minneapolis Mom Challenges BLM Protesters

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minneapolis mom challenged Black Lives Matter demonstrators who were protesting the death of Andrew Tekle Sundberg, who was shot and killed Thursday following an hours-long standoff.

The mother called police Wednesday night after Sundberg, 20, shot into her third-floor apartment through the walls, authorities said. The gunshots nearly missed her and two boys, ages 2 and 4, the mother said.

Six hours later, at about 4:30 a.m. Thursday, two Minneapolis officers shot and killed Sundberg. The officers were identified as Aaron Pearson and Zachary Seraphine.

Also read: Donations Rise For Single Mom Shot At In Minneapolis Apartment

A vigil was set up outside of the apartment complex where the standoff took place, and Black Lives Matter protesters gathered there Saturday. The mother who reported being shot at by Sundberg confronted the protesters, a video from KARE 11 reporter Deevon Rahming shows.

"I can’t get my items because you guys are celebrating his life," the mom shouted. "This is not OK. This is not a George Floyd situation. George Floyd was unarmed," the mom shouted.

"He tried to kill me in front of my kids." The mom also said there are bullet holes in her kitchen and bathroom.

Protesters shouted back at her, with one of them telling her "You're alive!"

The standoff between police and Sundberg happened at the 900 block of 21st Avenue South. Authorities said they arrived at the scene Wednesday night to the sound of more gunshots and saw debris exploding from the walls.

While the mother, her children, and other bystanders were brought to safety, police said they began focusing on the man who "isolated himself in a third-floor apartment."

Officers tried communicating with the man through phone calls, voicemails, and video messages, and the man's parents were brought to the scene, according to police.

"After approximately 6 hours of attempted negotiations, an officer-involved shooting occurred resulting in life-threatening injuries to the man," police said in a news release. "The man, believed to be in his 20s, was transported to Hennepin Healthcare where he later died."

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has taken over the investigation.

"Investigators recovered a firearm at the scene," the BCA said. "This investigation is in the very early stages. The BCA is reviewing footage to determine whether the incident was captured on body camera."