Crime
Three Killed, Two Critically Injured in South Minneapolis Mass Shooting
Minneapolis, MN — A mass shooting late Sunday night in South Minneapolis has left three people dead and two others critically injured.
The incident occurred near the intersection of Bloomington Avenue South and East 25th Street in the city’s Ward 9, represented by Council Member Jason Chavez.
Minneapolis police and emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene at approximately 12:10 a.m., where they discovered five gunshot victims.
According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were transported by EMS to a local trauma center.
Authorities confirmed the following details regarding the injured victims:
- A female, approximately 24 years old, sustained a gunshot wound to the face. While the bullet did not exit, she was reported to be conscious with stable vital signs.
- A male, approximately 30 years old, suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was transported in critical condition, described as exhibiting agonal breathing.
Initial findings suggest the shooting may have been a targeted act and potentially connected to gang activity.
Chief O’Hara stated during a press conference that the early stages of the investigation indicate a high probability that the victims were specifically targeted.
He added that some victims were found inside a vehicle, while one male was discovered on the sidewalk.
While responding officers were securing the scene, they reportedly heard additional gunfire nearby.
Though no further victims were located at that secondary location, physical evidence of gunfire was recovered, reinforcing concerns of ongoing danger in the vicinity.
“The city is grieving,” Chief O’Hara said, noting that the incident follows a period of relative calm in the city not seen in over five years. “That peace has been shattered. There are families suffering tonight — grieving. This is an absolutely senseless tragedy.”
O’Hara also described the emotional toll on first responders. “Family members were wailing to our officers at the scene. That’s always difficult — any time there is one victim, let alone multiple.”
All victims are believed to be adults, but their names have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
The Minneapolis Police Department and other local agencies are continuing to investigate.
The scene remains active, and a significant amount of forensic evidence has been recovered.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Minneapolis police or submit anonymous tips through CrimeStoppers.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.