After Major Shooting Incident Downtown, Mpls. Officials Push For Change
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- City officials are searching for ways to stop the violence after six people were shot in downtown Minneapolis.
The shooting happened during bar closing time early Saturday morning. Despite a heavy police presence, at least two gunman opened fire on 5th Street between First and Hennepin Avenues.
Officers were able to arrest three people and recover two guns. Two of those arrested remain in custody.
Police say they have done lots to address the issues of violence in downtown -- they've formed a new gang unit.
More officers are out of their cars and on the streets patrolling the crowds. They're even meeting with business owners about what more can be done in the end many think the solution starts with more than just additional officers on the streets.
Downtown Minneapolis has seen a pattern of gun violence when bars close and the large crowds inside move outside to city streets.
This past weekend, gunfire erupted between First and Hennepin Avenues on 5th Street sending scores of people running for cover. Six people were hit by gunfire. Officers reacted and arrested those they believe were involved. They also recovered two handguns.
"The reality is we can't ignore it," Third Ward City Councilman Jacob Frey said. "We need to react fast right now."
Frey says this violence is not a problem the city can just throw officers at
"We had six cops on horses, six cops on bikes and another six cops that were walking around on that block alone," he said. "If you stretch it out to the immediate vicinity, we had another 30."
Frey says the city must look at a revamp of how things work downtown.
"From transportation, to food service, to bar close, to location and beats of officers, we need to be looking at everything right now because it is not a problem that is going to cure itself," he said.
Frey says the young people involved in the violence need direction to find opportunities he hopes will help improve their lives.
"That they've got a mechanism to get a good job or education nothing stops a bullet like a good job," Frey said.
Cowles Center marketing director Dana Munson says the development in the area is one way of showing those who create the chaos that people who love to work, live and play in downtown will not run.
"When six people get shot that's a big deal," she said.
Frey says he hopes to work with the Downtown Council to hire an expert to look at the issues and come up with recommendations to deal with the violence. He hopes to improve the situation surrounding late night entertainment in Minneapolis as soon as possible.
MPD did start a new gang unit, but police wouldn't say if the shooting was gang connected. They're concerned because the shooters had no regard for life as they fired at people while officers were within 15 feet of them.
