"Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Minneapolis Police Officer Jerome "Jerry" Haaf Sr.

Officer Jerry Haaf was sitting in a restaurant having a cup of coffee near the end of his shift when he was brutally assassinated by two gang members who simply wanted to kill a cop.

Minneapolis Police Officer Jerome "Jerry" Haaf Sr.

McLean, VA (December 2, 2025) - On September 25, 1992, Minneapolis Police Officer Jerome “Jerry” Haaf Sr., 53, was near the end of his shift when he stopped by a favorite cop hangout to have a cup of coffee and finish some paperwork. As he sat at the table, two gang members entered from behind. They were members of the Vice Lords street gang. Without warning, they opened fire, shooting Jerry twice in the back. Jerry was rushed to the hospital, but his wounds were too severe and he died. Four men were convicted for their roles in the murder. The shooter was sentenced to life in prison; three of his accomplices received 30-year sentences. It turned out that the assassins didn’t even know Officer Haaf. The motive was chillingly simple: Jerry was killed because of the uniform he wore. The Vice Lords wanted to send a message of hate to law enforcement. Officer Haaf, who had served the city of Minneapolis for 30 years, was just months away from retirement. He was survived by his wife, Marilyn, a daughter and two sons.

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