UPDATED: Latest Update on the Police Activity Reported at Garden of Eden Cemetery in Burnsville, MN
Updated: June 10th at 4:15 PM
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA—On Sunday, June 2, 2024, at approximately 4:04 PM, significant police activity was reported at the Garden of Eden Cemetery in Burnsville, MN. Details remain limited as law enforcement continues investigating this incident. However, according to officials from the City of Burnsville, Burnsville, Eagan, and the Lakeville Police Departments responded to the scene. It remains unclear whether the Minnesota State Patrol was involved, though they are reportedly often detailed to funerals in the area due to the cemetery's proximity to the highway. We did see State Patrol there, but we can’t confirm their involvement in the incident.
According to initial information, a male and a female were briefly detained by law enforcement but were subsequently released at the scene. The reason for their detention and release has not been disclosed. We continue to wait on an official full report from local authorities, as the specifics of the incident are still under investigation.
This story will be updated as more details emerge.
June 10th Update
According to the full report from the Burnsville Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Garden of Eden Islamic Cemetery around 3:57 PM on Sunday, June 2, 2024 for a weapons complaint. The report states that 911 received several 911 operators received several calls about an individual who was at the cemetery with a gun. The male that was said to have a gun and a female were reported to have been seen leaving the area quickly in a vehicle that an officer arriving in the area would pull over the vehicle for a high risk felony stop as the individuals in the car were believed to be armed and dangerous. The two individuals were then detained by law enforcement. The male subject said someone else had the gun, and only admitted to having a knife.
Despite numerous people stating the male had a gun, law enforcement was unable to find a weapon, even after performing an article search with a K-9 both on the grounds and in the vehicle(s). Additionally, many witnesses were not cooperative with law enforcement. While many stated the man police had was the right guy, they would not provide any additional information. A few people did mention that the individual was not allowed to be at the cemetery as the said individual has had altercations with the family of the deceased member in the past.
All in all, the two people who were detained were eventually released as they did not have enough evidence to continue to hold them, nor was law enforcement able to come up with a weapon.
Written By: Will Wight
