At least two people have been killed and six others injured in a shooting in downtown Minneapolis in the US state of Minnesota, hospital officials confirmed.

Two police officers are among the wounded after gunfire broke out as officers responded to an initial incident, local authorities and healthcare officials said.

"The Minneapolis Police Department is on the scene of a shooting in the area of 15 E Grant St. involving multiple victims," the city stated on X, advising residents to stay clear of a perimeter stretching from 12th Street to Franklin Avenue and from Hennepin Avenue to 3rd Avenue South.

A shooter was located, and one individual was taken into custody, according to an emergency alert issued by the University of St. Thomas and cited by local media.

Citing law enforcement and City Hall sources, local broadcaster KSTP-TV reported that multiple civilians were killed after at least six people, including the two police officers, were struck.

According to the station, one officer was shot in the stomach and underwent emergency surgery, while the second officer sustained a gunshot wound to the leg that was not considered life-threatening.

Public officials have not yet officially verified the reported fatalities.

Federal response

Special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in St. Paul deployed to what was designated an active shooter incident near East Grant Street and South Marquette Avenue.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed state public safety officials were deployed to assist local police, posting on X: "My public safety team is responding to a shooting that took place downtown Minneapolis this afternoon. State officials are on the ground to support local law enforcement, and we will share more information as it becomes available."

Walz added: "Grateful to law enforcement actively working to ensure the safety of our neighbors in Downtown Minneapolis this afternoon. Minnesota is praying for our first responders."