14 people shot in 2 Minneapolis “mass shootings” Sunday
Minneapolis police are investigating two unrelated mass shootings that took place about 20 hours apart on Sunday in South Minneapolis. A total of 14 people were shot in the two incidents, and one person has died. No arrests have been made, and police have not shared any suspect information.
Reign Event Center
The first shooting happened outside the Reign Event Center at 2901 Hennepin Ave. So. at about 12:30 am Sunday. A large group of people were waiting for entry into the event center when an altercation occurred followed by shots being fired. Nine people were struck by gunfire. Two off-duty police officers working at a nearby business arrived withing a minute, followed by officers from all 5 precincts.
The Reign Event Center is a former Minneapolis Public Library building from the 1910’s and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
In 2026, is has been relegated to hosting the likes of Ivory Babu, an internet influencer and rap artist known as a “baddie.” A google search indicates,
“Her music and featured verses emphasize not letting anyone “get their lick back” (retaliate) and protecting her jewelry, chains, and reputation from rivals.”
Those responsible for promoting shows like this should be held responsible for the predictable violence that results. It appears as though, despite the obvious threat such a show presents, there was no coordination between the event and local law enforcement.
The newly formed Minneapolis Police FAST (Firearm Assault Shoot Team) was called in to take the lead on follow up – a promising change in policy. No arrests have been announced as of Monday.
18th and Nicollet
About 20 hours later, at 8:20 pm, another mass shooting was reported at 18th and Nicollet ave so., in an area of town that has become notorious for open air drug dealing and associated violence. Police were able to locate five gunshot victims at the scene and at two area hospitals. One man in his 20’s died of his injuries at HCMC.
There have been no arrests announced as of Monday.
The area and the unabated drug and violent gang activity was prominently featured in the recent documentary, “A Precarious State.” The documentary had video of another massive shootout involving dozens of people that happened within blocks on Sunday’s shooting.
Last October, WCCO interviewed former Police Chief Brian O’Hara about violence in this area. Chief O’Hara who lamented about the laws that make possessing and smoking marijuana legal.
“The main driver of the issue is people who are hanging out either smoking marijuana or selling marijuana and because that is not a crime, it makes it very difficult.”
Jim Rubin, owner of the Stevens Square apartment complex that has existed for decades in the area, has tried everything he can think of to rid the area of problems – including hiring four separate private security firms to conduct patrols. Each of the four has quit shortly after starting their patrols, because the situation is too far gone and is too dangerous for the security guards to deal with.
Takeaway
The shootings Sunday would have been far less likely in a city that wasn’t routinely failing to staff minimum numbers of uniformed police officers to conduct patrol. The current staffing crisis was brought on in 2020 when the City Council voted to “dismantle” the Minneapolis Police Department. That culture led to hundreds of resignations and retirements, and a void in new recruits willing to work for the city. As a result, Minneapolis has just over 600 officers. That’s about 130 less than the City’s own Charter demands. It’s also 700 officers less than former Chief Arradondo predicted in 2018 that the city would need by 2025 to properly provide for public safety.
Throughout history there has been one constant involving crime deterrence – police presence and the swift and sure apprehension of criminal offenders works. The sooner leaders within Minneapolis acknowledge this truth, the sooner Minneapolis can rebound. Without public safety, the city doesn’t stand a chance.