Crime
At least two shot during Wayzata High School graduation ceremony at Mariucci Arena
The suspect is currently in custody.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A shooting incident during a high school graduation ceremony outside 3M Arena at Mariucci has left at least two individuals injured and one person in custody, according to law enforcement and emergency officials.
The incident unfolded around 8:33 p.m. Friday in the area of 1901 4th Street SE, on the University of Minnesota campus in Southeast Minneapolis.
According to dispatch audio and emergency reports, multiple shots were fired during what was described as a large altercation involving a group of young men.
The arena was hosting the commencement ceremony for Wayzata High School at the time, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
University of Minnesota Police responded to the scene and apprehended a suspect matching the description provided: a Black male in his 20s, wearing a red and black shirt, blue hoodie, and jeans, who reportedly fled on foot following the shooting.
The suspect is currently in custody.
Authorities have not released his identity at this time.
Emergency Medical Services transported a 49-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to the head and a 19-year-old male who sustained two gunshot wounds to the thigh.
Both were taken to area hospitals; the condition of the 49-year-old is not yet known, while the 19-year-old is believed to be in stable condition.
There were unconfirmed reports of a third injured individual who may have been taken from the scene in a private vehicle, which investigators are continuing to explore.
Cellphone video captured by a bystander shows a large group of individuals engaged in a fight moments before gunfire erupted.
It remains unclear whether the shooting occurred inside or outside the arena, though initial information and statements from officials suggest the incident took place outside.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the incident in a statement on social media, calling the shooting “horrific” and expressing support for the victims and their families.
“Horrific news of a shooting near Mariucci Arena during a graduation event tonight – a time of celebration that should never have turned into one of fear and sadness,” Walz stated. “As officials take the suspect into custody, I’m praying for the injured. We’re in touch with University of Minnesota Police, and the state stands ready to assist in any way possible.”
Wayzata Public Schools also issued a statement confirming the incident occurred following the graduation ceremony and that they are working to gather accurate information.
The University of Minnesota Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from other local agencies. Authorities are urging anyone with information or footage related to the incident to come forward.
Further updates will be provided as more details become available.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — A 35-year-old man has died after being shot inside a residence in Birmingham early Thursday morning, prompting a homicide investigation by local authorities.
The victim was identified as Ralen Jerean McCurdy, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. McCurdy was found unresponsive inside a home in the 4300 block of 12th Court North after police responded to reports of gunfire and an injured person shortly after 1:40 a.m.
Despite the response from emergency personnel, McCurdy did not survive his injuries. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel pronounced him dead at approximately 2:04 a.m.
According to authorities, officers assigned to Birmingham Police Department’s South Precinct were dispatched to the area shortly after 1:40 a.m. Thursday following a ShotSpotter alert and a report of an injured individual.
When officers arrived at the residence, they discovered McCurdy unresponsive inside the home. Emergency responders subsequently confirmed his death at the scene.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting have not yet been publicly established.
Birmingham police detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding McCurdy’s death. Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no suspect information or possible motive was included in the details released.
Investigators will continue working to determine what happened inside the residence and identify anyone who may have been involved. Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.
McCurdy’s death marks Birmingham’s fourth homicide since Saturday, according to the information provided. The latest fatal shooting adds to a difficult stretch for the city and leaves another family grieving the loss of a loved one.
At 35 years old, McCurdy’s life ended in a violent incident that remains under investigation. His death is a painful loss for his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.
As detectives continue their work, loved ones are left to remember McCurdy while waiting for answers about the circumstances that led to his death.
May Ralen Jerean McCurdy rest in peace. May his family and friends find strength, comfort, and support during this heartbreaking time.