Quick Read
- A violent assault at a Minneapolis basketball game left one victim with life-threatening stab wounds, raising community concerns.
- Police arrested several individuals hours later, linking them to the East Lake Crew, a suspected Somali gang.
- The incident, at a local youth event, highlights growing concerns over escalating gang violence in public spaces.
- The attack prompts questions about Minneapolis’s strategies to safeguard public events and rebuild trust.
A violent assault at a local basketball game on October 22, 2025, left one victim with life-threatening stab wounds, sparking serious community concern in Minneapolis. Police swiftly apprehended several individuals following the incident at the Northside Community Recreation Center. Authorities identified the alleged assailants as members of a suspected Somali gang, and the victim remains in critical condition.
The confrontation erupted during the third quarter of a community league basketball game, escalating from an argument into a violent beating. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as multiple assailants targeted the victim. Severe blows were delivered before one individual reportedly used a weapon. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds and was rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center for urgent care.
Patrol units responded within minutes of a 911 call, securing the area and quickly identifying suspects attempting to flee. The Minneapolis Police Department’s gang unit, familiar with the alleged perpetrators, made several arrests nearby. Investigators recovered potential evidence linking the individuals to the attack. Police confirm those apprehended are associated with the East Lake Crew, a group previously involved in various local disturbances.
Minneapolis Police Chief Emily Jenkins addressed the media, condemning the violence and assuring residents of the department’s commitment to safety.
“This kind of senseless violence, especially at a community event, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are working tirelessly to ensure all involved are brought to justice and to prevent future incidents like this from shattering our neighborhoods.”
— Chief Emily Jenkins, Minneapolis Police Department
Jenkins praised the quick actions of both witnesses and responding officers, citing their efforts as crucial for the prompt arrests.
The incident has reignited urgent conversations about public safety and Minneapolis gang violence plaguing parts of the city. Residents express a profound sense of vulnerability, particularly when violence impacts spaces traditionally seen as safe, like community recreation centers. Organizations like the Minneapolis Community Safety Initiative continue to address root causes of violence, yet this public event attack underscores persistent urban challenges. For information on local safety efforts, visit the official Minneapolis Police Department website.
Community leaders are now calling for increased collaboration between law enforcement and neighborhood groups to address gang influence. Maria Rodriguez, President of the North Minneapolis Neighborhood Association, emphasized the need for long-term solutions, including youth outreach and preventative programs. Understanding the broader context of gang activity in urban areas can be explored at the National Gang Center.
“Our children deserve to play without fear, and our families deserve peace. This isn’t just a police issue; it’s a community issue that requires us all to step up and demand a safer environment for everyone.”
— Maria Rodriguez, President, North Minneapolis Neighborhood Association
More details on city safety resources can be found via the Minneapolis Office of Violence Prevention. While these arrests offer immediate relief, the deeper questions about systemic gang violence and its impact on daily life continue to weigh heavily on Minneapolis residents. The investigation into the basketball game stabbing is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with further information to contact the MPD.
