Two weekend shootings at Minneapolis homeless encampments resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to three others. The first shooting occurred early Saturday morning, leaving one man dead and two others wounded. The second shooting happened on Sunday afternoon, where two men were killed and a woman was critically wounded. Police are investigating whether these two shootings are related and have not made any arrests yet.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey attributed the surge in violence near homeless encampments to the prevalence of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. He emphasized the need for resources and support for those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. The medical examiner identified the victims as Deven Leonard Caston, Louis Lemons Jr., and Christopher Washington.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara condemned the shootings as “outrageous” and stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of those living in encampments. He urged residents to accept available resources to address the issues contributing to the violence.
The incidents highlight the challenges faced by homeless individuals and the need for comprehensive support services to address substance abuse, mental health, and safety concerns in encampments. Police are continuing their investigation to determine the perpetrators of these tragic events.
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