MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Tragedy in Folwell Park: 11-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot in Broad Daylight
A tragic scene unfolded in North Minneapolis on Monday afternoon as an 11-year-old boy was shot and killed near Folwell Park, sparking widespread grief and outrage in a community already battling ongoing violence involving juveniles and stolen vehicles. The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) confirmed the devastating loss hours after reports emerged of multiple shots fired in the area.
According to MPD, officers responded just after receiving a report of gunfire at or near the park. Before police could arrive, a passerby in a vehicle discovered the gravely injured boy and rushed to seek help. The driver flagged down a Minneapolis police lieutenant who immediately initiated CPR on the child. Despite desperate life-saving efforts at the scene, the young victim was pronounced dead.
Chief Brian O’Hara addressed the media with a somber tone, acknowledging the heartbreak and frustration that surround the case.
“This is a nightmare,” O’Hara said. “An 11-year-old child has been stolen from his family and from this community. We’re going to do everything we can to find out who did this and bring them to justice.”
Witness Accounts and Possible Leads
Chief O’Hara shared that preliminary witness statements suggest that at least three vehicles were seen driving through or near the park shortly before the gunfire erupted. The involvement of those vehicles in the shooting remains under investigation, and authorities are working to determine whether the incident was a targeted act or an appalling example of reckless violence.
Several individuals were present in the park at the time, including children and families enjoying a summer day. MPD detectives are actively working to identify and speak with those witnesses in hopes of gathering critical details that could shed light on the moments leading up to the fatal shooting.
Notably, MPD officials confirmed that there was no ShotSpotter activation at the time of the incident, adding an additional layer of concern. ShotSpotter is a gunfire detection system used throughout the city to alert police to shootings in real time. The absence of a detection suggests either a system blind spot or limitations in coverage in that part of North Minneapolis.
A Park Plagued by Violence
Folwell Park, once a gathering place for play, sports, and community, has become an increasingly dangerous zone in recent months. Residents have repeatedly raised alarms about stolen vehicles — often driven by juveniles — speeding through the park at high speeds, sometimes with occupants brandishing firearms or engaging in other criminal activity.
Chief O’Hara did not mince words when addressing this pattern, pointing to an “ongoing problem” that has now escalated to a heartbreaking consequence.
“The stolen vehicles, the reckless driving, the young teens armed and emboldened — these are not just quality-of-life issues anymore. This is life and death.”
O’Hara further called for the end of encryption on certain public safety communications, saying that making real-time information more accessible to the public could raise awareness and encourage community vigilance in areas where such dangerous activity is frequent.
No Arrests, Community Pleads for Justice
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. Investigators are combing through surveillance footage, traffic cameras, and forensic evidence from the scene. Police are urging anyone with information — including cellphone footage, dashcam video, or firsthand accounts — to come forward, even anonymously.
The young victim’s identity has not yet been released publicly, pending family notification. What is known is that he was a resident of the area and had been enjoying time outside when violence took his life.
Community leaders, pastors, and youth advocates gathered near the park Monday evening for an impromptu vigil. Many spoke through tears, condemning the continued normalization of gun violence and pleading for action at every level — from local officials to parents to young people themselves.
“We cannot accept this as normal. We cannot keep burying our babies,” one activist said, standing before a growing memorial of flowers, candles, and stuffed animals.
Looking Ahead
The death of an 11-year-old child in a place meant for peace and play has struck at the heart of Minneapolis. Residents are demanding not just justice, but a reevaluation of public safety strategies, youth intervention programs, and community accountability.
Police continue to investigate, and more updates are expected in the coming days. In the meantime, Minneapolis mourns — a city once again grappling with the senseless loss of a young life, gone too soon.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact CrimeStoppers or the Minneapolis Police Department directly.
Rest in peace to the young soul lost. May your memory spark the change your community so desperately needs.
