Over the weekend, two separate shootings occurred at homeless encampments in Minneapolis, killing three people and injuring three others. The Minneapolis Police Department is investigating the possibility that the shootings may be connected. One shooting took place on Saturday, where one man was killed and two others were wounded. The second shooting occurred on Sunday at a different encampment, resulting in two deaths and one woman critically wounded. Despite initially detaining three men, police have made no arrests in either case.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey attributed the increase in violence near homeless encampments to the presence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. He emphasized the need for individuals in the encampments to accept available resources to address drug and mental health issues. The medical examiner identified the victims of the shootings as Deven Leonard Caston, Louis Lemons Jr., and Christopher Washington, who all died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara condemned the shootings as “outrageous” and expressed concern about the safety of individuals living in the encampments. He urged residents to utilize available resources to address the underlying issues contributing to the violence. The shootings highlight the ongoing challenges faced by homeless individuals in accessing safe shelter and support services.
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