Fallen MPD Officer Jamal Mitchell remembered as a hero during memorial service

KSTP Staff

Fallen MPD Officer Jamal Mitchell remembered as a hero during memorial service

A memorial service for fallen Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell, who was shot and killed at the end of last month in what authorities called an ambush, marked the beginning of his body’s journey back to his hometown in Connecticut on Tuesday.

Mitchell was honored at Maple Grove High School on Tuesday morning as loved ones and the public mourned the loss and showed support for law enforcement.

Members of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and Minnetonka Police Department handled calls in Minneapolis on Tuesday and will do so through Wednesday morning so officers with MPD can take time to attend the memorial service.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara spoke ahead of the service early Tuesday morning, saying Mitchell was the kind of person the department needed, and that it has been extremely difficult for the department.

Chief O’Hara speaks ahead of memorial

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara speaks ahead of the memorial for fallen officer Jamal Mitchell, who was fatally shot during a shooting.

Chief O’Hara went on to say Mitchell was with the department for just a little over a year, starting in his mid-30s, and his colleagues called him an exceptional person all around. He was given award after saving an older couple from a fire, just three days into the job.

“It seems we do it more and more often lately,” said Chief O’Hara. “I’m immensely grateful for the men and women who continue to show up. I’m thankful to wear this uniform with them.”

You can watch O’Hara’s comments in the video player above.

Outdoor honors, including a flyover, commenced at 1 p.m. before a procession route began to make its way to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, so Mitchell’s body could be flown to Connecticut.

Mitchell will be laid to rest in his hometown of New Haven, Connecticut, on June 17.

In the weeks since the tragedy, Mitchell has been remembered as a “hero.” A memorial quickly grew outside the Minneapolis Police Department’s 5th Precinct, and Mitchell’s parents shared their heartbreak. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS also learned that Mitchell was riding alone on a mandatory overtime shift at the time he was killed.

Mitchell’s long-time partner, Tori Myslajek, released a statement on Thursday, saying, “Our family is completely devastated by our recent loss. Jamal was our whole world. His greatest joys in life were his children: Koen, 20, Jalen, 9, Kaden, 7 and little Macen, 4. Jamal and I created a beautiful life in Minnesota, and he was deeply passionate about helping and serving the community of Minneapolis. On behalf of our family and from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank our friends, neighbors, loved ones and the entire community for the continued support.”

The MN 100 Club has already approved a $50,000 contribution to Mitchell’s family, something the organization does to support fallen first responders’ loved ones. Additionally, the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS), and the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) are collecting donations for Mitchell’s family online through the LELS Benevolent Fund.