Crime
20-Year-Old Hamza Abdirashid Said Arrested in Connection with Shooting Outside University of Minnesota 3M Arena at Mariucci
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Authorities have identified the suspect in Friday night’s shooting outside the University of Minnesota’s 3M Arena at Mariucci as Hamza Abdirashid Said, 20.
Said is currently being held on probable cause for second-degree assault following the incident, which left two people injured and disrupted a graduation celebration.
The shooting occurred around 8:20 p.m. on Friday, May 30, in the parking area outside the arena following a graduation ceremony for Wayzata High School.
According to University of Minnesota Interim Police Chief Erik Swanson, two individuals sustained gunshot wounds and were transported by emergency medical services to Hennepin County Medical Center.
One of the victims, a 49-year-old male, suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
The second victim, a 19-year-old male, was shot twice in the thigh.
Both were rushed to the hospital, but as of late Friday evening, the extent of their injuries remained undisclosed.
Authorities are also investigating a report suggesting a possible third injured individual who may have been transported from the scene in a private vehicle.
While the exact circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation, police confirmed that the violence occurred outside the arena, not inside where the graduation event was being held.
Video footage shared by a bystander suggested a large altercation broke out among a group before shots were fired.
University of Minnesota Police are leading the investigation with assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
Governor Tim Walz addressed the incident via social media, calling the shooting “horrific” and expressing solidarity with the victims. “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 wrote. He added that his office is coordinating with the University of Minnesota and local authorities, emphasizing that “the state stands ready to help in any way we can.”
At this time, Hamza Abdirashid Said remains in custody as investigators work to determine the motive and full scope of the incident.
Police are encouraging anyone with information, video footage, or firsthand knowledge of the event to contact the University of Minnesota Police Department.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.