Glendorado Township, MN – A 66-year-old Minnesota man who fired nearly 30 rounds at seven police officers during a 2023 drug raid at his home will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Karl Holmberg was sentenced to 76 ½ years in prison after being convicted on multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault of law enforcement officers.
The Incident: Drug Raid Turns into a Gun Battle
According to court records, the violent encounter took place on October 12, 2023, when officers from multiple law enforcement agencies arrived at Holmberg’s home on 190th Avenue NE in Glendorado Township, about 60 miles northwest of Minneapolis, to serve a narcotics search warrant.
As officers entered the house and approached his bedroom, Holmberg fired 28 rounds from a high-powered assault rifle, “literally emptying a magazine,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum.
“It was his day to die,” Holmberg reportedly told his wife before the shooting began.
His wife, who was asleep in the house, told police that Holmberg woke her up moments before the raid, warning her that “they’re here.” She recalled seeing several guns on the bed as officers breached the door.
The chaos unfolded within seconds as Holmberg fired blindly through the bedroom door, hitting five officers. One officer was shot in the arm, another in the chest and hip, and a third in the right hand. Two others were struck in their bulletproof vests, escaping serious injury. Two additional officers present were not hit.
Investigation and Arrest
Officers returned fire, eventually striking Holmberg in the foot, before taking him into custody. During a Mirandized interview, Holmberg admitted that he knew officers were inside the home but claimed they did not have the right to be there.
“He told them to leave before he started shooting,” investigators wrote in the probable cause affidavit.
Authorities found multiple firearms inside the residence, along with methamphetamine, which led to an additional drug possession charge.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation, describing the case as one of the most dangerous law enforcement encounters in recent state history.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
A jury convicted Holmberg in August 2025 on seven counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven counts of first-degree assault of a peace officer, and one count of methamphetamine possession.
During sentencing, prosecutors emphasized the sheer volume of gunfire and the deliberate nature of the attack, noting that Holmberg reloaded and continued firing while officers sought cover.
Judge Ann Marie O’Reilly handed down a 76 ½-year sentence, calling the shooting “a deliberate attempt to murder police officers performing their duty.” Holmberg will be eligible for supervised release only after serving more than 50 years behind bars, effectively making the punishment a life sentence.
Statements from Officials
The case was prosecuted by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office in collaboration with local authorities.
Attorney General Keith Ellison condemned Holmberg’s actions in a post-sentencing statement:
“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. I am truly grateful to these brave Minnesotans for risking so much on behalf of their fellow citizens.”
Law enforcement agencies involved in the raid have also expressed gratitude that none of the officers suffered fatal injuries, calling it a “miracle” given the number of bullets fired.
Background Context: A Dangerous Pattern of Anti-Law Enforcement Incidents
Officials say Holmberg’s attack underscores a rising threat to law enforcement officers across the U.S., particularly during high-risk warrant operations. In 2023 alone, the FBI reported a 15% increase in assaults on officers during narcotics and weapons raids.
Public safety experts have urged renewed training and tactical reforms to reduce such risks, emphasizing the growing prevalence of high-powered rifles in civilian hands.
The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office noted that Holmberg’s methamphetamine use and mental health instability likely played a role in the escalation of violence.
Ongoing Impact
While Holmberg begins serving his lengthy sentence, the five wounded officers continue to recover from their injuries, both physical and emotional. Several are still receiving treatment and counseling for post-traumatic stress following the ambush.
The Minnesota community has rallied around the officers, with local organizations hosting fundraisers and mental health support drives for first responders affected by the incident.
Conclusion
With a 76 ½-year prison sentence, Karl Holmberg will likely die behind bars for the violent assault that nearly claimed the lives of seven officers. The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks police face daily and the devastating consequences of armed resistance during lawful operations.
What are your thoughts on this case and the growing risks faced by law enforcement? Share your opinions in the comments below.
