Police, Vikings reps at Everson Griffen's home after he reported intruder, fired weapon
Minnesota Vikings representatives, team mental health professionals and local law enforcement were at the home of defensive end Everson Griffen on Wednesday after a disturbing Instagram post and 911 call.
Griffen reported an intruder in the early morning hours and law enforcement officers reported to the home, but said they didn't find anyone. Griffen remained in his home and refused to come out, they said.
The Vikings updated the situation late on Wednesday to say that Griffen "came out of his home without incident and is now getting the care that he needs.
Statement from the #Vikings pic.twitter.com/nHGXOZPFH9
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 24, 2021
Police respond to call of intruder
The Minnetrista Police Department, located about 40 minutes west of Minneapolis, said in a news release officers responded to a call in the early hours of Wednesday along with support from a neighboring police staff and two sheriffs offices.
Police said Griffen called 911 around 3 a.m. local time because he said someone was inside his home and he needed help. Police said he told them he fired a weapon, but that no one was injured. When they arrived, police said they were "unable to locate an intruder" and have remained on-scene since Griffen refused to come out of his home around 7 a.m. They said in the release they are confident he is alone.
Here is the update on the Everson Griffen situation from Minnetrista Police pic.twitter.com/4UDUq8DqR3
— Lou Raguse (@LouRaguse) November 24, 2021
Griffen posted a video to Instagram earlier in the day in which he said someone was in his home trying to kill him, per reports. He is seen in the video holding a gun.
The Vikings organization also released a statement that officials are on the scene.
Statement from the #Vikings pic.twitter.com/9jARTVVCor
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 24, 2021
"Vikings representatives and the team's mental health professionals have been on-site at Everson Griffen's home since early this morning and are cooperating with law enforcement. Our only concern at this time is the safety and well-being of Everson and his family. We will have further comment at the appropriate time."
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer held his media availability as scheduled around 10:30 a.m., about 10 minutes after the Vikings released their statement.
Mike Zimmer looked shaken in his press conference. When he was asked about whether Everson Griffen is safe, he said, "I don't know"
— Matthew Coller (@MatthewColler) November 24, 2021
Zimmer said he heard early in the morning hours about the incident and that the organization is more focused on his well-being than if he will be available for this week's game. When asked if Griffen was safe, he said "I don't know."
"I appreciate the questions, but I really can't get into any of this stuff right now with any of this," Zimmer said. "We're only concerned about his well-being. He's been with us for a long time. Good guy. Works hard."
Mike Zimmer starts out his Wednesday press conference addressing Everson Griffen's situation. Said that GM Rick Spielman will address us at some point today. As far as Griffen's status for the 49ers game, Zimmer said "that's not our concern" right now.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) November 24, 2021
Zimmer said team general manager Rick Spielman will address the media sometime on Wednesday.
The Vikings drafted Griffen, 33, with the 100th overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft. He spent the 2020 season with the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions before returning to Minnesota in August. In his first stint with the Vikings, his 74.5 sacks ranked seventh in franchise history. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection.