9 people shot outside event center in Minneapolis

Nine people were shot overnight outside an event center in Minneapolis following an altercation, according to police. Two of the victims suffered potentially life-threatening injuries.

The shooting happened at about 12:27 a.m. Sunday outside the Reign Event Center on Hennepin Avenue, where a large crowd was waiting to enter for a scheduled event.

“This was a brazen act of violence in a crowded entertainment district where innocent people were placed at tremendous risk,” Interim Police Chief Bill Peterson said during a Sunday briefing.

Off-duty officers working at a nearby business arrived in less than a minute and encountered a chaotic scene with multiple victims and a large crowd. Officers from every precinct and other law enforcement agencies were called in to secure the area, help the injured and begin the investigation.

Four victims were found at the scene, including a 20-year-old man with potentially life-threatening injuries. A 21-year-old man and two women, ages 22 and 27, suffered injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

Five other victims later sought treatment at two hospitals. Four had injuries believed to be non-life-threatening, while a 21-year-old man suffered potentially life-threatening injuries. Police said on Sunday both seriously injured men are expected to survive.

Police believe the gunfire followed an altercation and are examining whether shots were fired from a vehicle. Officials have not determined how many shooters were involved or whether any of the nine victims were specifically targeted.

“This investigation remains in its early stages, and we are committed to identifying every single person responsible,” Peterson said.

Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette called the shooting “unacceptable” and asked anyone with information to contact the Minneapolis Police Department.