A violent Tuesday (and now sadly Wednesday) in Minneapolis
Update: Shortly after posting the original news of some ten shooting victims in Minneapolis on Tuesday, the tragic news broke of a mass shooting at Annunciation Church this morning as the grade school mass began about 8:30 am.
While details are sparse at this time, and are often subject to change in a tragedy of this magnitude, it has been reported that 20 people including students were shot by a man dressed in dark clothing and carrying a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. The man reportedly shot the victims by shooting through the sanctuary windows while standing outside. At this initial stage there have been two confirmed deaths. The shooter reportedly killed himself after the shootings – though his death does not belong in the death count of his victims. Authorities are saying their is no on-going threat.
This level of violence, from the random to the targeted, is unprecedented in Minneapolis and will undoubtedly lead to calls for “change.” While it’s too early to have a meaningful discussion on the specific “changes” that are needed, it’s beyond time to demand a more consequential criminal justice system that would more effectively deter much of the violence we have experienced.
My original post follows:
The second “mass shooting” since June occurred in Minneapolis yesterday, and news outlets are reporting as many as ten people were shot in three separate incidents in the city in a 24-hour period.
The “mass shooting” took place at 1:30 pm at 29th and Clinton Ave. So. when a gunman using a .223 caliber rifle shot into a group of people “hanging out” on the street corner. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the gunman appeared to be targeting at least one person in the group. 30 rounds of gunfire were reported by the city’s Shot Spotter system. One man died at the scene, and five other men and a woman were struck and injured by gunfire.
The shooting took place near Cristo Rey Jesuit Catholic High School while students were present.
Chief O’Hara conducted a press conference at the scene and it can be viewed here, as broadcasted by KSTP TV.
“This level of firepower, unleashed in broad daylight, is completely sickening and unacceptable.”
– Chief O’Hara
Overnight, two other people were shot at 8th and Hennepin Ave. in downtown Minneapolis. One of those people died. There has been little, or no information reported at this time.
The tenth gunshot victim was reported in a story by WCCO TV, but no specific information was available.
According to the Minneapolis Crime Dashboard, which was last updated through Monday, August 25th, assaults are up YTD over 2024 – 6587 to 6584. Gunshot victims are down YTD – 174 to 249, and murders are down YTD – 36 to 49.