Mass Shooting at Minneapolis Homeless Encampment Leaves Seven Injured

On the evening of September 15, 2025, a mass shooting at a homeless encampment in Minneapolis' Longfellow neighborhood left seven people injured, three critically. The encampment, located on private property near the intersection of East Lake Street and 28th Avenue South, had been a point of contention between property owner Hamoudi Sabri and city officials.

According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara, the shooting occurred just after 10 p.m. An off-duty officer at a nearby Target store reported hearing multiple gunshots and observed people fleeing the scene. Upon arrival, officers found seven individuals with gunshot wounds; two victims were found inside tents with head injuries, and another man had been shot in the stomach. All victims were transported to local hospitals, with three in critical condition.

The encampment had been established in July 2025 when Sabri, a local landlord, allowed homeless individuals to reside on his lot. This decision led to legal disputes with city officials, resulting in approximately $15,000 in fines for violations related to safety and sanitation concerns. City officials had issued multiple public health notices citing issues such as drug paraphernalia, open fires, excessive debris, and lack of sanitation.

In response to the shooting, Mayor Jacob Frey announced the immediate clearing of the encampment. "If [the property owner] wants to sue us, he can. If he wants to take this up in court, that is certainly his prerogative. But this is not safe," Frey stated. He emphasized the danger posed to the community and the necessity of shutting down the encampment.

Sabri criticized the city's approach, arguing that displacement without providing adequate care leaves individuals more vulnerable. "I did not create this crisis. I responded to it — by opening my property to people with nowhere else to go and by inviting the City to collaborate on real solutions. That invitation still stands," Sabri said.

This incident is part of a series of violent events in Minneapolis during the summer of 2025. Notably, on August 27, a mass shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to 21 others. Additionally, the city experienced the assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and a mass shooting at a local church.

Community members have expressed concern over the escalating violence. Juan Guiman, a nearby resident, stated, "I see a lot of things going on here. Every day since I'm back home with work and I see a lot of things. Drug deals, lots of people just pretend to do something else but do drugs."

City officials have been working to address homelessness and associated public safety concerns. Regulatory Services Director Enrique Velazquez noted that all but one person from the encampment declined offers for shelter. The city continues to adapt its strategy to address the needs of the homeless population while ensuring public safety.

The September 15 shooting underscores the complex challenges Minneapolis faces in balancing public safety with the rights and needs of its homeless population. As the city grapples with these issues, the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of violence and homelessness becomes increasingly evident.