Minneapolis, Minnesota — A late-night shooting at Boom Island Park has left one woman dead and five men injured, stirring concern among the community and law enforcement. The Minneapolis Police Department reported the incident occurred during a large gathering on Sunday night, with gunfire identified shortly after 9:30 p.m.
At a press conference early Monday, Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the chaotic scene as officers from both the Minneapolis police and Park Police responded to over 100 people in the park. Initial reports indicated that three men were found with gunshot wounds, while an injured woman was discovered in a vehicle at the entrance to the park, near the intersection of 11th Avenue Northeast and Sibley Street Northeast. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries at Hennepin Healthcare.
Two additional men later sought medical attention at a nearby hospital. One of the victims was reported to have life-threatening injuries, while the others sustained injuries that were not deemed life-threatening. Another woman was also knocked unconscious during the ensuing panic. Her condition remains unclear.
Chief O’Hara confirmed that authorities believe multiple shooters were involved, and no arrests had yet been made as of Monday morning. Investigators are actively examining the events leading up to the gunfire, sorting through a substantial amount of evidence collected from the scene, including numerous shell casings.
“This is outrageous. It’s more akin to a war zone,” O’Hara remarked, highlighting the volume of evidence collected. “It’s sickening.”
The police chief mentioned a separate incident involving juveniles occurred in the same park just days prior, but he clarified that he did not believe it was connected to the shooting on Sunday. O’Hara expressed apprehension regarding rising violence as summer approaches, a time historically associated with increased crime in the area.
In total, 37 law enforcement units were dispatched to the park in response to the shooting, and many gathered outside the hospital where victims received treatment. A large crowd also formed outside Hennepin Healthcare, showcasing the community’s concern and distress following the incident.
Less than 24 hours before the shooting occurred, a park police officer was reported to have been assaulted at East Cedar Lake Beach while confronting a couple. An arrest was made during that altercation, illustrating growing tensions in the area. Meanwhile, another shooting incident was reported on Friday outside the University of Minnesota’s 3M Arena, resulting in injuries to two men.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to any of these incidents to reach out with tips, whether online or via a dedicated hotline. The community remains on edge as law enforcement works diligently to bring those responsible to justice.