Minneapolis, Minnesota — In a tragic incident late Tuesday night, gunfire erupted in the Midtown Phillips neighborhood, claiming the lives of three individuals and leaving two others injured. Authorities responded to reports of a shooting shortly before midnight, discovering five victims at the scene, three of whom were pronounced dead by emergency medical workers.
The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed the nature of the shooting, branding it as targeted. According to Chief Brian O’Hara, two males and one female succumbed to their injuries at the location, while a female and male victim were transported to a local hospital, with one listed in critical condition.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but their efforts were unsuccessful for the three victims. Family members arrived amidst the chaos, distraught and mourning the loss. O’Hara described the emotional scene, saying, “Our officers were here while family members were arriving and just wailing in pain,” highlighting the profound impact such violence has on communities.
This incident follows a period of relative calm in the city, raising concerns over the resurgence of gun violence. O’Hara expressed the community’s sorrow, stating, “Tonight our city is grieving. After a relative period of peace, that peace has been shattered.” He reiterated the urgent need for community involvement in combating violence and encouraged residents to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation.
Investigators reported recovering a significant amount of evidence at the scene, indicating the seriousness of the investigation ahead. While all victims were adults, further details about their identities have yet to be disclosed. Authorities and the community alike grapple with the aftermath of such senseless loss.
In a separate but related incident, police responded to reports of additional shots fired a few blocks from the original shooting location. One individual was subsequently taken to the hospital, creating further tension in an already strained neighborhood. While the police are investigating whether the two events are connected, no definitive links have been established at this time.
As the investigation unfolds, the Minneapolis community faces the dual challenge of mourning those lost while striving for a safer environment for all. “Now more than ever we need our entire community to stand up and not accept this level of violence,” O’Hara emphasized, calling for solidarity and action in the face of tragedy.