According to police in Grand Forks, a member of the Air Force stationed there walked into a Walmart just after 1 a.m. Tuesday and started shooting.
Police said the 21-year-old airman targeted staff members, killing one, wounding another and missing a third.
He then used his gun to take his own life.
Police said they haven't made a link between the man and staff at the store. The apparent randomness of the shooting leaves Manitobans who come here regularly to shop a little on edge.
Witnesses describe a chaotic scene at this 24-hour Walmart, saying the sound of gunfire sent them scrambling for safety.
The second employee went to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
News of the shooting spread fast, causing people in Winnipeg to reach out to loved ones south of the border.
"My mom had sent us an email worried about our safety, asking if we had heard anything about it. So we were aware,” said Chris Sawka, a Manitoban shopping in North Dakota.
Police have not yet established a link between the shooter and the employees, saying the crime may have been random.
Shopping trips to North Dakota are a common getaway for many Manitoba families. If you take a spin through any commercial parking lot in Grand Forks, you'll likely see a lot of Canadian license plates.
Officials with the City of Grand Forks call Canadian tourism vital for local retailers and hope the shooting won't keep Manitobans away.
"Here in Grand Forks, it's a huge bit of our economy. The doors are open to Grand Forks. Don't judge us by one incident. It was an isolated incident,” said John Bernstrom, City of Grand Forks communications.
Police identified the gunman as 21-year-old Marcell Willis and said he was stationed at the Grand Forks Air Force base, about 20 kilometres west of the shooting site.
The company put out a statement saying it is saddened and troubled by the incident and thoughts are with the family at this time.
It says it is assisting police with the investigation.
This store remains closed with no indication when it will re-open
