In the quiet hours just before midnight on April 29, 2025, the South Minneapolis neighborhood near 25th Street and Bloomington Avenue was shattered by a burst of gunfire that left three people dead and two others wounded. The tragedy unfolded in the Phillips neighborhood, a community already grappling with the weight of sporadic violence. Families were left grieving, and a city was once again confronted with the devastating toll of gun violence. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stood before reporters in the early hours of Wednesday morning, his voice heavy with the weight of the moment, describing the incident as a “senseless tragedy” that has left the community reeling.
Police were alerted to the shooting shortly before 11:45 p.m. after three ShotSpotter activations signaled gunfire in the area. Officers arrived to a chaotic scene, finding five victims with gunshot wounds. Two men and one woman were pronounced dead at the scene, their lives cut short in an instant. Another man and woman, both seriously injured, were rushed to a nearby hospital. Authorities reported that one of the survivors, a man, was in grave condition, clinging to life as doctors worked to save him. Some of the victims were found inside a vehicle, while one man was discovered on the sidewalk, a stark reminder of the violence that erupted in a place where residents should feel safe.
Chief O’Hara, addressing the media at the corner of 25th and Bloomington, emphasized that the shooting was not a random act. Early investigations point to a targeted attack, with a “high probability” of gang-related motives. Police recovered an extensive amount of evidence at the scene, including shell casings and other forensic materials, which investigators hope will lead to answers. About an hour after the initial shooting, another report of gunfire came from five blocks south, near East 29th Street and Clinton Avenue. No victims were found at the second location, but shell casings were collected, prompting police to explore a possible connection between the two incidents. A third report surfaced when a man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound was dropped off at a hospital shortly after, further complicating the night’s grim timeline.
The Phillips neighborhood, known for its vibrant cultural diversity, has faced challenges with violent crime in recent years, though Minneapolis had seen a significant decline in homicides prior to this incident. Data from the Minneapolis Police Department indicates that homicides were down 67% citywide before this shooting, a statistic that now feels hollow for a community mourning the loss of three lives. Residents, many of whom have long called for solutions to curb gun violence, expressed frustration and fear in the wake of the tragedy. The area near 25th and Bloomington has been a focal point for community safety concerns, with previous shootings linked to nearby homeless encampments adding to local tensions.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who joined Chief O’Hara at the press conference, vowed that the city would not rest until those responsible are brought to justice. “We’re not going to stop until we identify who did this and hold them accountable,” Frey said, echoing a commitment to both the victims’ families and a city weary of such violence. The investigation is ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. Community leaders have also begun organizing vigils to honor the victims, whose identities have not yet been released pending family notifications.
This mass shooting adds to a sobering national tally, with thousands of gun-related deaths and injuries reported across the United States in 2025 alone. For Minneapolis, a city striving to balance progress with the persistent challenge of violent crime, the events of April 29 serve as a stark reminder of the work still to be done. As the investigation unfolds, the community holds its breath, hoping for answers and a path toward healing.