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Two men face federal charges for weapons violations linked to a shooting that injured two attendees at a Wayzata High School graduation. Hamza A. Said, 20, and Amiir M. Ali, 18, were charged with unlawful possession of machine guns after a chaotic scene unfolded outside Mariucci Arena on May 30. Both remain jailed without bail as the investigation continues.
Residents in Minneapolis' 12th Ward report infrequent police presence, with only 19.8% of nearly 3,000 calls receiving a response from local officers. Council Member Aurin Chowdhury confirmed the data, leading resident Verlynn Schmalle to advocate for increased police presence in the area. Police Chief Brian O'Hara acknowledged the impact of property crimes on community safety, despite prioritizing emergency responses.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation considers options for improving crash-prone Hwy. 252, including converting it into a four- or six-lane freeway. The decision aims to enhance safety on the dangerous roadway.
Methamphetamine use has surged in Minnesota, with federal agents reporting a 142% increase in seizures in the past year. This rise coincides with a notable pairing of meth and fentanyl among substance users, a trend previously observed only in larger cities. Experts attribute the spike to improved supply chains from Mexican cartels and a decline in fentanyl overdose deaths.
University leaders proposed a 7% reduction in academic programs alongside a 6.5% tuition hike for undergraduate, in-state students at the Twin Cities campus, marking the largest increase in 14 years. Faculty and students express concerns that these budget cuts may lead to reduced staffing and enrollment.
Derrick Thompson's murder trial concluded with closing arguments from both sides, as the state argued for third-degree murder in a crash that killed five people. Thompson's attorney contended that the prosecution failed to substantiate its claims and accused police witnesses of lying.
Activist organizations mobilized around 200 residents in south Minneapolis to protest a significant ICE presence on E. Lake Street. Despite claims from local officials that the operation focused on drug and human trafficking, tensions escalated as ICE agents in military gear confronted the crowd. Activists utilized social media and text chains to ensure community safety and document federal actions.
Federal prosecutors secured guilty verdicts against five members of the Highs street gang in Minneapolis for racketeering conspiracy and firearm possession linked to drug trafficking. This case marks a significant effort to dismantle local gangs using federal laws typically applied to organized crime.
Derrick John Thompson received a guilty verdict for third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide in the deaths of five young women in a car crash. The Hennepin County jury delivered the verdict after two days of deliberation, determining Thompson deserves a sentence above state guidelines. The victims, all between 17 and 20 years old, were preparing for a wedding when they were killed by Thompson's reckless driving.
Two men, Kashmir Khaliffa McReynolds and Alvin Anthony Watkins Jr., face federal felony gun charges after firing approximately 43 rounds in a Minneapolis neighborhood following an earlier gunfire incident. The pair, who were working for the nonprofit 21 Days of Peace, were reportedly attacked first and sought cover before returning fire. Their actions have raised questions about law enforcement's response to the initial gunfire.