Man killed in shooting amid Twin Cities Eid celebration at Canterbury Park, police say

A man has died after being shot multiple times outside of a prayer service at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota, Wednesday morning, police said.

The Shakopee Police Department said its officers responded just before 10 a.m. to the complex's Expo Center, where many Muslim Minnesotans had gathered for an Eid al-Adha celebration.

Officers found the 26-year-old victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Police say he was later pronounced dead at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. 

"The investigation is now a homicide investigation. We are actively working to identify the involved individuals," the department said.

The center that organized Wednesday's service is a member of the Islamic Association of North America. Imam Yusuf Abdulle, the association's executive director, says the shooting happened after prayer was over and many attendees had left.

He said two men had a physical altercation and one of them shot a gun multiple times before fleeing the scene.

Abdulle says he's in shock over what happened.

"It is very tough. It is very tough to take. It is a senseless killing and it's supposed to be a day of happiness, Eid. It's a major holiday for us as Muslims," Abdulle said. "It's supposed to be a very happy day and sadly, in that area and that community, it's not happily celebrating this afternoon and this evening."

A spokesperson with Minnesota's chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations tells WCCO the victim is related to a very well known member in the community.

A Canterbury Park spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday afternoon that the shooting occurred "outside of Canterbury Park Event Center" during the "client-hosted event."

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the victim and his loved ones," the park spokesperson said. "The Canterbury Park Casino remains open for business and live racing will resume as planned this weekend on Saturday and Sunday."

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Shakopee police at 952-445-1411.