A joyous milestone turned to chaos and fear Friday night when gunfire erupted outside the 3M Arena at Mariucci on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis, leaving two individuals wounded and a community shaken. The shooting occurred just after Wayzata High School’s Class of 2025 commencement ceremony, an event meant to celebrate the achievements of 845 graduating seniors. Instead, the evening ended with police sirens, emergency medical teams, and a suspect in custody, casting a somber shadow over what should have been a moment of pride and celebration.
The incident unfolded at approximately 8:33 p.m. near 1901 4th Street SE, as families and graduates were exiting the arena following the ceremony, which began at 6:30 p.m. According to police reports and dispatch audio, a large altercation involving a group of young men escalated into violence, culminating in multiple shots fired. University of Minnesota Police responded swiftly, apprehending a suspect described as a Black male in his 20s, dressed in a red and black shirt, blue hoodie, and jeans, who fled the scene on foot. Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s identity, and it remains unclear whether the individual has any connection to the graduation event or the university.
Emergency medical services transported two victims to Hennepin County Medical Center. A 49-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the head, and his condition remains unknown, leaving family and friends anxiously awaiting updates. A 19-year-old male, struck by two bullets in the thigh, is reported to be in stable condition. There are also unconfirmed reports of a third individual who may have been injured and transported from the scene in a private vehicle, though investigators are still working to verify this information. A cellphone video captured by a bystander, circulating on social media, shows a chaotic brawl moments before the gunfire, offering a glimpse into the tense seconds leading up to the tragedy.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the incident on social media, expressing heartbreak over the violence that marred what should have been a night of joy. “Horrific news of a shooting near Mariucci Arena during a graduation event tonight – a time of celebration that should never have turned into one of fear and sadness,” he wrote. Walz assured the public that state officials are in contact with university police and are prepared to offer support as the investigation unfolds. Wayzata Public Schools also released a statement, confirming that the incident occurred after the ceremony concluded and emphasizing their commitment to gathering accurate details to share with the community.
The University of Minnesota Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have issued a call for witnesses or anyone with video footage to come forward, as they work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting. While initial reports suggest the incident occurred outside the arena, the exact location and motive remain under scrutiny. University officials issued an alert at approximately 8:40 p.m., urging the public to avoid the area until the situation was under control.
The shooting has left the Wayzata High School community and the broader Twin Cities region grappling with shock and grief. The 3M Arena at Mariucci, a venue known for hosting University of Minnesota hockey games and community events, became an unexpected backdrop for violence, prompting questions about safety at large public gatherings. For the Class of 2025, their moment of triumph was overshadowed by an act of senseless violence, leaving families, educators, and students to reflect on the fragility of such milestones. As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers, hoping for healing and justice for those affected.
