Ashley Anne Dyrdahl, Straw Purchasing, Minnesota 2024

BURNSVILLE, MN – The quiet suburb of Burnsville became a crime scene on February 18th, and now, federal prosecutors are alleging a direct link between a local woman and the carnage. Ashley Anne Dyrdahl, 35, of Burnsville, has been indicted on charges of straw purchasing firearms that were ultimately used to kill two police officers and a firefighter-paramedic, and wound a third officer. The case lays bare a dangerous pattern of enabling a convicted felon to arm himself with weapons of war.

According to court documents unsealed today, Dyrdahl allegedly conspired with Shannon Cortez Gooden, a convicted felon, to obtain five firearms between September 21, 2023, and January 25, 2024. Gooden, previously convicted of second-degree assault in Dakota County in 2008, was legally barred from possessing firearms. Yet, Dyrdahl, who entered a domestic relationship with Gooden in 2016 and knew of his prior conviction, allegedly facilitated his access to deadly weapons.

The indictment details a chilling exchange of text messages where Gooden directed Dyrdahl to purchase specific firearms, sending links and instructions. Dyrdahl, working at Gooden’s behest, then allegedly submitted false ATF Forms 4473, claiming she was the actual buyer and had no intention of transferring the firearms illegally. One particularly damning exchange revealed Dyrdahl’s awareness of the scheme, texting Gooden, “We just gotta make sure we’re smart about all this ya know?” She then happily responded with a smiling heart emoji after Gooden sent a video of the newly acquired firearm.

Among the weapons purchased were three AR-15-style firearm lower-receivers, including a Franklin Armory FAI-15 .300 caliber semiautomatic firearm equipped with a binary trigger – a modification that effectively doubles the rate of fire. Dyrdahl also purchased a .300 caliber barrel for the weapon. Prosecutors allege she knew Gooden was loading the AR-15s with .300 Blackout ammunition, a heavier, more lethal round. The combination of a binary trigger and powerful ammunition paints a grim picture of the firepower Gooden possessed during the February 18th standoff.

The indictment further reveals that Dyrdahl purchased a Glock 47 9mm pistol on September 21, 2023, and immediately sent a text asking Gooden if he liked it. Gooden responded with a video showcasing the weapon, loading it with an extended magazine. On October 24, 2023, they discussed purchasing another firearm, with Gooden sending Dyrdahl a link to a Glock 43X and specifying the Burnsville FFL where it should be delivered. The transaction was completed, and Dyrdahl texted “Ordered,” to which Gooden replied, “Love you.”

U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger announced the indictment, promising a vigorous prosecution. While the charges against Dyrdahl don’t directly address the deaths of the first responders, they establish a crucial link in the chain of events that led to the tragedy. The case underscores the deadly consequences of straw purchasing and the urgent need to crack down on those who illegally supply firearms to criminals. The investigation is ongoing.

Related Federal Cases