Two weekend shootings at homeless encampments in Minneapolis left three people dead and three others wounded. The first shooting occurred on Saturday morning, killing one man and injuring two others. The second shooting happened on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of two men and critical injuries to a woman. Police are investigating the possibility that the two shootings are connected.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey attributed the surge in violence in homeless encampments to the presence of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. He called the shootings “incredibly tragic and sad” and emphasized the need for residents of the encampments to accept available resources to address drug addiction and mental health issues.
The victims of the shootings were identified as Deven Leonard Caston, Louis Lemons Jr., and Christopher Washington, all of whom died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara condemned the shootings as “outrageous” and emphasized the need for encampments to be safe environments. Despite the lack of arrests in the case, police are continuing to investigate the incidents in order to bring those responsible to justice.
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