Minneapolis, Minnesota — A wave of violence surged through south Minneapolis this week, leaving four individuals dead and three others injured amid a series of shootings that police describe as targeted and potentially gang-related. The tragic events unfolded late Tuesday night, followed closely by another deadly incident on Wednesday afternoon.
Police responded to multiple ShotSpotter activations near the intersection of Bloomington Avenue South and East 25th Street just before midnight Tuesday, discovering five victims in an alley. According to Police Chief Brian O’Hara, three individuals, including a teenager and a woman, were pronounced dead at the scene. A man and woman were transported to a hospital, with the man reported in critical condition.
“This shooting bears all the hallmarks of a targeted attack, with possible gang ties,” O’Hara stated at the scene. Approximately an hour later, gunfire erupted about five blocks south, though no victims were immediately located. However, police later confirmed that someone was admitted to Abbott Northwestern Hospital with gunshot wounds.
The connection between the two incidents remains under investigation, and O’Hara acknowledged the potential for a retaliatory motive. “While we cannot confirm the link at this time, the timing raises concerns,” he said.
Despite the gravity of the situation, no arrests had been reported as of Wednesday afternoon. A scheduled news briefing that afternoon featuring O’Hara was delayed due to another shooting incident occurring nearby.
Shortly before the briefing was set to commence, a man in his 30s was fatally shot in the 2100 block of Cedar Avenue South, just three blocks from where police were gathering. Authorities reported a bullet from the scene struck a nearby SUV, narrowly missing two young children secured in their car seats.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed concern over the escalating violence, stating that community members fear Wednesday’s shooting could be linked to the earlier events. “We are escalating our efforts to engage community members in addressing these issues,” Frey noted.
As investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding these tragedies, community leaders and residents alike are grappling with the fallout from this alarming surge in violence. The authorities have pledged to enhance their efforts to restore safety in affected neighborhoods while seeking accountability for those involved in these shootings.