Glendorado Township, MN – A Minnesota man, identified as Karl Holmberg, 66, will spend the rest of his life in prison after opening fire on seven police officers who were executing a narcotics search warrant at his home in 2023.
The shocking attack took place in the 200 block of 190th Avenue NE in Glendorado Township, located roughly 60 miles northwest of Minneapolis.
Authorities said Holmberg fired nearly 30 rounds from a high-powered assault rifle, striking five officers during the terrifying exchange.
Conviction and Sentence
A jury convicted Holmberg in August 2024 of seven counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven counts of first-degree assault on a police officer, and possession of methamphetamine. On sentencing, he received a 76½-year prison term, ensuring that the 66-year-old will die behind bars.
The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office handled the prosecution, calling the case one of the most violent attacks against law enforcement in recent state history.
The Deadly Encounter
The violent confrontation unfolded on October 12, 2023, when a narcotics team entered Holmberg’s residence to execute a search warrant. Officers announced themselves and knocked on Holmberg’s bedroom door, but moments later, he began firing 28 rounds, “literally emptying a magazine,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum.
According to court documents, Holmberg’s shots struck five officers:
- One officer was hit in the arm,
- Another was shot in the chest and hip,
- A third was struck in the right hand,
- Two others were hit in their bulletproof vests, narrowly avoiding severe injuries.
Two additional officers were present at the scene but escaped unharmed.
Wife’s Frightening Account
Holmberg’s wife was inside the home during the chaos. She told investigators that she was asleep when Holmberg woke her up, saying “they’re here” and claiming “it was his day to die.” She reported seeing several guns on the bed before officers kicked in the door.
As law enforcement entered, Holmberg “blindly fired” through the bedroom door, hitting multiple officers before they returned fire, ultimately striking Holmberg in the foot.
Defendant’s Statement to Detectives
During a Mirandized interview, Holmberg admitted that he knew police were inside but insisted they “had no right to be there.” He said he warned them to leave before opening fire. Prosecutors argued that his statements and actions showed clear intent to kill.
Investigators also found methamphetamine inside the residence, confirming the presence of illegal narcotics that prompted the search warrant.
Attorney General’s Reaction
Following the sentencing, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a strong statement condemning Holmberg’s actions.
“Holmberg’s crimes demonstrate the extraordinary danger that members of law enforcement face in the course of their work to keep the people of Minnesota safe,” Ellison said.
“I am truly grateful to these brave Minnesotans for risking so much on behalf of their fellow citizens.”
Do you believe the 76½-year sentence is a fair punishment for Karl Holmberg’s actions? Should Minnesota consider even stricter penalties for violent assaults on police officers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
