Glendorado Township, MN – Karl Holmberg, 66, has been sentenced to 76 and a half years in prison for shooting at seven police officers during a narcotics search warrant at his home. The incident occurred on October 12, 2023, when officers entered his residence and attempted to engage him.
Holmberg opened fire with a high-powered assault rifle, discharging nearly 30 rounds and injuring five officers. He was found guilty in August of seven counts each of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault of a police officer, as well as a charge of possession of methamphetamine.
The officers knocked on Holmberg’s bedroom door before he fired 28 shots, striking one officer in the arm and another in the chest and hip. A third officer sustained injury to his right hand, while two others were protected by their bulletproof vests.
At the time of the incident, Holmberg’s wife was asleep in the home. He reportedly woke her and expressed a belief that it was his “day to die” before engaging police.
During a police interview, Holmberg confirmed he knew officers were present but believed they had no right to enter. Officers returned fire and struck Holmberg in the foot during the encounter.
Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that the case illustrates the dangers law enforcement face in their duties. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office prosecuted Holmberg.