BREAKING NEWS: Eight Shot in Mass Shooting at Minneapolis Homeless Encampment — Four Critically Injured

BREAKING NEWS: Eight Shot in Mass Shooting at Minneapolis Homeless Encampment — Four Critically Injured

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A horrific act of violence unfolded late Monday night at a homeless encampment near East Lake Street and 28th Avenue South, where eight people were shot, including four victims with life-threatening injuries, according to the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD).

Gunfire erupted shortly after 10 p.m. in and around the encampment, triggering panic and chaos. A Minneapolis police officer, working an off-duty shift at the nearby Target store, was first alerted by bystanders who ran inside to report the gunshots. As the officer stepped outside, they heard additional rounds being fired from the direction of the encampment and immediately called for backup.

When officers arrived at the scene, they were met with a harrowing situation: multiple victims were found across the area, both inside tents and scattered around the perimeter of the encampment. The gunfire had left behind a chaotic and dangerous scene, made worse by the unstable terrain of the site. During the emergency response, a tent caught fire, and fire crews were dispatched to extinguish the flames.

Among those critically injured, police say a woman was shot in the head, while two men were found inside tents with grave injuries. Another man sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound to the stomach. In addition, four more individuals were found with non-life-threatening wounds, including gunshots to the neck, torso, and leg.

Authorities confirmed:

• One man with gunshot wounds to the neck and torso was taken to Regions Hospital.

• A second man, shot in the stomach, was transported to Hennepin Healthcare in critical condition.

• A woman with a graze wound sought treatment at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

• Another man walked into Children’s Hospital with a gunshot wound and was later transferred for further care.

In total, three men and one woman are currently being treated for life-threatening injuries, and four others are recovering from less severe wounds.

MPD Chief Brian O’Hara said investigators are still working to piece together the sequence of events. Multiple shell casings were recovered at the scene, suggesting an exchange of gunfire involving at least two shooters. However, the chief emphasized the difficult and dangerous conditions faced by investigators and emergency responders navigating the heavily cluttered encampment.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting, but say the attack is likely connected to ongoing drug activity and violence within the encampment.

“This is horrible. It is tragic. And it is not surprising,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey at a press briefing following the incident. He revealed that the city had been attempting to clear the encampment for months, but was blocked by the private property owner. Litigation had already been filed to declare the site a public health nuisance, and in light of Monday night’s mass shooting, the city plans to clear the encampment immediately once the crime scene investigation is concluded.

“This is not safe—for the people who live there or for the surrounding neighborhood,” Frey added.

Chief O’Hara acknowledged the challenges MPD continues to face, noting that the department remains down approximately one-third of its normal staffing levels. He confirmed that state troopers and Hennepin County sheriff’s deputies will be deployed to assist with increased patrols in the area in the days ahead.

Authorities reiterated that conditions inside encampments remain dangerous due to drug trafficking, addiction, poor sanitation, and violence, and called for urgent policy-level and community-based solutions to address the growing crisis of unsheltered homelessness in Minneapolis.

As of publication, the names of the victims have not been released, pending notification of families. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to contact the Minneapolis Police Department Tip Line at 1-800-222-TIPS or submit information anonymously through CrimeStoppers.