Minneapolis, MN
Residents blame encampment for fatal shooting in Minneapolis neighborhood
MINNEAPOLIS — Residents of the Park Square Condominiums tell WCCO they are convinced that Thursday’s deadly shooting in broad daylight near Lake Street and Blaisdell in Minneapolis’ Whittier neighborhood, is tied to a recent encampment that now touches the walls of their homes.
“Yes it is related to the encampment, it’s definitely related to the encampment,” said Lisa, who lives in the condominiums.
“This is one of those regrettable situations that should have never happened,” said Raymond Hoffman, Park Square Condominiums President.
The encampment, which residents said has butted against their homes along Blaisdell Avenue for a month now, was previously located across the street, at the old K-Mart site.
“People are scared. Here I’ve got 128 different families in this building,” said Hoffman.
One woman, who has tents right up to her first floor windows, said someone has to be home 24/7 to make sure no one breaks in.
Residents said they have witnessed drug sales, fires, even sexual assault.
“We are the victims, we live here and we’re watching our building get destroyed,” said Lisa.
Lisa and the more than hundred who live here said they want the city’s help with the encampment. It’s a problem acknowledged by Chief O’Hara.
“It’s a very serious problem that people who live in this area have been dealing with, both when the Kmart was here and still now,” said O’Hara.
Hoffman acknowledges the people in the encampments need help, but said they have no right to be in residents’ literal backyards.
“Hospitality for these people is essential, but not when they’re being criminals,” Hoffman.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed a new ordinance that carries a ban on assault weapons but won’t take effect unless there are major changes to state law.
Minneapolis gun ban ordinance signed
What we know:
The Minneapolis City Council approved the ordinance during its meeting last week.
The firearm regulations ordinance includes a ban on assault weapons, ghost guns, binary triggers, and high-capacity magazines. The ordinance also includes safe storage provisions for firearms.
Big picture view:
Many of the provisions in the law won’t go into effect unless there is a change in state law. Currently, Minnesota law prevents municipalities from enacting gun regulations.
Minnesota law only allows cities to bar the discharge of firearms within city limits and adopt regulations that are identical to state laws. Any regulations that go beyond state law are voided, according to state statute.
Local perspective:
Action on the gun ordinance was spurred by last year’s shooting at Annunciation Church and School. Two students were killed while attending morning mass at the church and more than two dozen students and parishioners were hurt in the barrage of gunfire.
Last week, parents of Annunciation students spoke out in support of the ordinance at a public hearing.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus threatens lawsuit
The other side:
Last year, St. Paul passed a similar law. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus filed a lawsuit shortly after the ordinance was signed. Arguments were heard last month on the case and a judge has set a trial for next year.
In a statement last week, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus said it was evaluating its legal options in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus Chair Bryan Strawser said:
“The City of Minneapolis is attempting to make a political statement with an ordinance it has no legal authority to enact. Minnesota law clearly preempts the entire field of firearms regulation, and local governments cannot simply ignore state statute because they dislike the policy outcome.
“If the City Council moves forward with this unlawful ordinance, we will evaluate every available legal option to challenge it, just as we did in Saint Paul.
“The law is not optional, even for Minneapolis.”
A man was hurt in a shooting in south Minneapolis late Tuesday night, according to police.
A report of shots fired brought officers to the 2600 block of Third Avenue South around 9:50 p.m., the Minneapolis Police Department said. They found evidence of gunfire and began investigating.
Later, a man with survivable gunshot wounds showed up at Hennepin Healthcare.
No one has been arrested.
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