MINNEAPOLIS — Emergency Crews Respond to Mass Shooting at Boom Island Park; At Least Four Injured
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (June 1, 2025) — A peaceful Sunday evening was shattered by gunfire as emergency crews responded to a major shooting incident at Boom Island Park in Northeast Minneapolis. The incident, which occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m., involved an eruption of gunfire that sent parkgoers fleeing for safety and left at least four individuals with gunshot wounds.
Authorities confirmed that more than 100 rounds were fired during the chaotic scene. Witnesses reported a sudden barrage of gunfire breaking out near a gathering area at the popular riverside park, which was filled with families, joggers, and individuals enjoying the early summer weather.
Among the victims was a 20-year-old woman who suffered a critical injury. According to Minneapolis Fire Department personnel, the woman was discovered unresponsive and in cardiac arrest after being shot in the left side of the chest. Emergency medical responders initiated life-saving measures, including CPR and advanced trauma care, on-site before transporting her to Hennepin County Medical Center. As of Monday morning, her condition remains critical.
Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) spokesperson Sgt. Garrett Riley provided a brief update during a late-night press conference.
“This was a brazen act of violence carried out in a public space with dozens of innocent bystanders present. Our officers responded swiftly and began immediate first aid efforts while attempting to secure the area and identify potential suspects,” Sgt. Riley stated.
In addition to the 20-year-old woman, three other individuals—two males and one female, all believed to be in their late teens or early twenties—were transported to local hospitals with gunshot wounds of varying severity. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, according to preliminary hospital reports.
Witness Accounts Paint Picture of Chaos
Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic and confusion. Maria Johnson, a local resident who was at the park with her two children, recounted the moment the shooting began.
“At first, we thought it was fireworks because it was so loud and rapid. Then we saw people running, screaming. I grabbed my kids and ducked behind a tree. It felt like it went on forever,” Johnson said.
Others echoed the same sentiment, noting that the sheer volume of gunfire made it difficult to determine where the shots were coming from.
Investigation Underway; No Arrests Yet
As of early Monday, no arrests have been made. Police believe the incident may have involved multiple shooters and could be related to an ongoing dispute between rival groups, though no official motive has been confirmed. Forensics teams remained at the park overnight, marking shell casings and collecting surveillance footage from park cameras and nearby businesses.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been called in to assist with the investigation, given the volume of gunfire and the potential presence of high-capacity firearms.
MPD is urging anyone with video footage, especially from cell phones or dashcams, to come forward. A dedicated tip line has been established for community members to provide information anonymously.
Community Response
Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the incident late Sunday, calling it “a tragedy and an unacceptable act of violence in one of our city’s cherished public spaces.”
“We will not tolerate this kind of violence. The city is mobilizing every available resource to find those responsible and to ensure the safety of our parks and neighborhoods,” said Frey. He also urged community members to remain calm and vigilant as the investigation unfolds.
Local organizations, including community outreach groups and violence prevention advocates, have already begun mobilizing efforts to support the victims and their families. A vigil is being planned for Tuesday evening at Boom Island Park to honor the injured and call for an end to gun violence in the city.
Continued Concerns Over Gun Violence in Minneapolis
Sunday’s mass shooting adds to a growing concern about the rise in gun violence in Minneapolis, particularly during the warmer months. City officials and law enforcement have increased patrols and launched several community-based intervention programs, but critics argue more must be done to address root causes and prevent such events before they occur.