Minneapolis, Minnesota – In the heart of south Minneapolis, Caitlin Angelica’s home stands as a colorful tribute to her late partner, musician August Golden. The walls of her two-story house are adorned with memories of Golden, from his favorite records to Polaroids capturing his smile. It has been eight months since the tragic Nudieland mass shooting that claimed Golden’s life and left six others injured, yet the pain still lingers for Angelica.
Angelica vividly recalls standing by Golden’s side during his final moments on that fateful summer night. The community rallied around her in the aftermath of the shooting, offering meals, music, and support to help cope with the loss of Golden and the trauma of the attack on their safe space. Despite the outpouring of solidarity from the punk and queer communities in Minneapolis, a sense of fear looms over some, knowing that the perpetrators of the violence were still at large.
Hennepin County officials recently announced the arrest of two teenagers in connection with the mass shooting. While this development could bring a sense of closure or justice to some, Angelica remains unsettled. The suspects, who were minors at the time of the incident, are now facing legal proceedings that may see them tried as adults. The complexity of emotions surrounding the arrests reflects a larger conversation about gun violence, justice, and rehabilitation.
Nudieland, where the shooting took place, held a special significance for the local punk community as a creative hub and communal living space. Golden’s presence in the house, along with his bandmate Bryan May, fostered a vibrant music scene that celebrated their shared love for punk and other genres. Angelica’s journey of healing has been intertwined with music, as she continues to honor Golden’s legacy through performances and new songs dedicated to his memory.
The arrests of the two teenagers have sparked mixed feelings within the community, with some grappling with the nuances of justice, compassion, and accountability. Angelica, along with others who were present at Nudieland that tragic night, confronts the reality of the criminal justice system and the human stories behind the headlines. As they navigate through grief, solidarity, and forgiveness, the community seeks to find a path forward that honors Golden’s spirit and beliefs in kindness and understanding.