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20 men face rioting charges stemming from 4th of July gathering in Dinkytown

Prosecutors charged 20 men with second-degree riot with a dangerous weapon. Some, ranging in age between 18-24, are also charged with fleeing police.

MINNEAPOLIS — Editor's note: The video above first aired on July 9, 2024.

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office announced Wednesday it's filed charges against 20 individuals allegedly involved in a disorderly Fourth of July celebration in Dinkytown.

According to court documents, all 20 men face second-degree riot with dangerous weapon charges. Some are also charged with fleeing police. The men's ages range from 18-24.

The attorney's office announced its first round of charges on Monday, alleging those involved aimed lit fireworks at police, bystanders and vehicles as they gathered by the hundreds in neighborhoods near the University of Minnesota. A spokesperson from the office told KARE 11 they ultimately expected to charge at least 20.

"Twenty adults will be charged with second-degree riot for the incidents occurring over the Fourth of July weekend," the spokesperson said. "Review of the incidents are ongoing to determine if other individuals will face charges. The office worked closely with law enforcement partners throughout the entire holiday weekend and will continue to do so."

Adding, "Misdemeanor charges stemming from these incidents have been referred to the City Attorney's Office."

According to one criminal complaint, Minneapolis police were on patrol in Dinkytown as part of a safety operation in response to past “riotous” July 4 celebrations in the city.

Court documents said drone footage showed this particular gathering lasted a “significant period of time,” as police reported some of those present began shooting “commercial-grade fireworks," not only into the air, but toward people, vehicles, and eventually, uniformed officers. The complaint goes on to say an officer claimed to have seen a minor making a throwing motion with a lit mortar before allegedly releasing the mortar in the direction of police.

The complaint said an officer reported feeling a sharp and burning pain on his body after the mortar rolled underneath a vehicle and exploded.

According to prosecutors, officers then moved in and announced they’d make arrests. The complaint said some people fled on foot to avoid being cited, but at least 17 people were located and taken into custody.

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