MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police are investigating after five people were shot, two fatally, in downtown Minneapolis.
Officials said officers working the Late-Night Safety Plan were called to the area around 5th Street and Hennepin Avenue just before 2 a.m. Saturday for a report of a fight. Officers said they heard shots fired while breaking up the fight.
Police said five people were shot and all of them were taken by EMS to the hospital.
Two men, aged 20 and 21, were taken to the hospital where they later died, according to officials. Three women, two aged 16 and 17 and another woman in her 20s, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
On Monday, Sept. 23, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner identified the two men killed. The 21-year-old victim was Lunden Marcel Woodberry. His cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds. The 20-year-old killed in the shooting was Benjamin Hezekiah Haggray from Ludowici, Georgia, according to the medical examiner's office. He died due to a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
No other information has been released about any of the victims at this time.
Police said one person was taken into custody and will be booked for "Probable Cause Riot."
“MPD investigators will work tirelessly to bring whoever is responsible for this tragic incident to justice,” Chief O’Hara said in a press release. “We will continue with our late-night safety plan, and work with our law enforcement and community-based partners to enhance the level of safety for all.”
A handgun was recovered from the scene, police said.
Changes to patrolling in the area will begin Saturday according to Chief O'Hara. MPD will add officers downtown particularly at bar close, and there will also be officers on horseback who can see above the crowds.
"I'm deeply concerned as a parent that, yet again, we're having so many teenagers congregate down there when there's just nothing for them to get into but trouble at that time of night," Chief O'Hara said in an interview with KARE 11 Saturday.
MPD is also receiving help from community members including violence prevention organization 21 Days of Peace.
"We try to operate from a relationship perspective that many times the people in our groups know some of the people in the crowd already, so we're able to try to get stuff handled before it ever jumps off," said Reverend Jerry Mcafee with 21 Days of Peace.
"Five families had their lives changed last night and our hearts go out to them," Minneapolis Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell told KARE 11. "It's extraordinarily tragic what we are seeing across the country where arguments are turning into gun violence."
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (HSCO) stated on Saturday afternoon and said there would be extra uniformed and non-uniformed deputies in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday night.
"Our office will be watching closely throughout the weekend to determine if more deputies and detectives are needed for the foreseeable future. We are in constant contact and collaboration with MPD and we’ll be working out a strategic plan to combat the violence that has been a pattern over the summer, and in particular last night."
In the statement, HSCO said the safety of the public is a priority, and the office will continue to work with law enforcement to arrest those who participate in violence.
Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.CrimeStoppersMN.org.
KARE 11 will update this story as more information is made available.