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
19-Year-Old Peyton Patterson Killed in WSSU Homecoming Shooting; Ziyaire Spinks Charged With Murder
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A 19-year-old man was killed and a 22-year-old woman was injured in a shooting on the Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) campus during homecoming weekend, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department.
The fatal shooting occurred Saturday night, November 7, 2026, in the 600 block of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on the university campus.
Police said officers responded at approximately 9:46 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. Officers who were already in the area reportedly heard the shots and immediately moved toward the scene.
Upon arrival, officers found Peyton Izaia Patterson, 19, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers began performing lifesaving measures before emergency medical services personnel arrived and continued treatment. Despite those efforts, Patterson succumbed to his injuries.
His next of kin has been notified.
A second victim, identified as Alyssa Janae Ellerbee, 22, was also found suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she received treatment and was later released.
As the investigation progressed, authorities identified Ziyaire Antonyo Spinks, 20, as a suspect. He was charged with:
- General Murder
- Assault With a Deadly Weapon With Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury (ADWIKISI)
- Felony Possession of a Firearm on Educational Property
Police said Spinks was being held without bond at the time of the announcement.
A second man was also reported to be in custody. However, authorities have not publicly released his name or provided details about any charges against him.
The police department said it would not release a photograph of Spinks because the investigation remains ongoing.
The Winston-Salem Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the investigation and continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Patterson’s death and the shooting.
Detectives have determined that the incident was isolated, according to police. Authorities have not released additional information about what led to the gunfire or the circumstances immediately preceding the shooting.
Police said further confirmed information would be released as it becomes available.
The investigation remains active.