Shooting at Minnesota High School Football Game Linked to Local Gangs

A shooting erupted during the fourth quarter of a high school football game in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, on Friday, with police attributing the incident to local gangs. The violence injured two Somali males in the parking lot during the homecoming game between Eden Prairie High School and Minnetonka.

One of the injured individuals, an 18-year-old, was released from the hospital on Saturday. The other, a 17-year-old, remains hospitalized with injuries that are not considered life-threatening. Both youths are reportedly from St. Paul, Minnesota.

Eden Prairie Police stated that prior to the shooting, officers had broken up a large altercation on the west side of the stadium and removed several individuals from the grounds. Shortly after, officers responded to the report of a shooting in the high school parking lot. Authorities are pursuing multiple leads but have not yet identified specific suspects. The Eden Prairie Police Department is collaborating with regional law enforcement partners on the ongoing investigation.

Police Chief Matt Sackett acknowledged the fear such an event could cause, especially at a student-focused event, during a press conference Friday night. The department has requested that anyone with information contact [email protected] or the anonymous tip line at 952-949-8477.

The shooting caused panic among attendees, with some hearing the shots and others being directed to evacuate by the PA announcer. One witness described people running and climbing fences in fear. The play-by-play announcer for the game noted it was an unprecedented event in his over 30 years of covering high school football.

Following the incident, the homecoming game was postponed and rescheduled for Monday. Eden Prairie High School's principal, Jaysen Anderson, announced the cancellation of the homecoming dance, stating that holding the event so soon after the traumatic event felt inappropriate for the community.