MINNEAPOLIS — Two men were shot Friday outside Wayzata High School’s graduation ceremony on the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus.
University of Minnesota Police Department Chief Erik Swanson said the shooting occurred around 8:20 p.m. outside the 3M Arena following the ceremony, CBS News reports. The victims, ages 19 and 49, were taken to the hospital in stable condition and have since been released.
RELATED: Securing Graduation Ceremonies: Making the Case for Weapons Detection
Witness Renee Frey wrote on social media that she saw a group of young men running and punches being thrown before someone pulled out a gun and fired. Dave Hughbanks, the father of a Wayzata High School graduate, told KSTP that the 49-year-old victim was shot about 10 feet away from him.
“Took the stupid t-shirt off, and, you know, I was like, put pressure on it. But like, it’s a headshot,” he recalled. “The police came about three minutes later.”
Wayzata Public Schools Superintendent Chace Anderson confirmed in a message to the campus community that the 49-year-old victim was the parent of a graduate. The man was conscious after the shooting and told police he was standing outside the graduation when he heard a group arguing behind him. He then heard a gunshot and started to run away with his family when he realized he’d been shot. The second victim, who court documents say was not cooperative with officers, was shot in his right leg.
The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Hamza Said, has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and possessing/operating a machine gun. Prosecutors say video surveillance captured the shooting as well as several males, including the suspect, running from the scene, KSTP reports. Video surveillance also captured the suspect leaving an item in the nearby bushes, where officers recovered a handgun with an automatic conversion kit and extended magazine attached.
Police haven’t determined if Said was inside the ceremony prior to the shooting. Anderson emphasized security measures were in place during the graduation.
“Please know that several safety measures were in place before and during the ceremony, including operational metal detectors at all entrances, as well as the presence of school resource officers and University of Minnesota police and security personnel,” Anderson wrote. “Moving forward, we are committed to continually reviewing and strengthening our security protocols and exploring ways to prevent such incidents in the future, ultimately enhancing the graduation ceremony experience for all students and families.”
Swanson said campus police are investigating the incident with assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
