Man Charged in Shooting That Injured Two Outside Mariucci Arena After High School Graduation

Man Charged in Shooting That Injured Two Outside Mariucci Arena After High School Graduation

Minneapolis, MN — A 20-year-old man from Coon Rapids is facing multiple felony charges in connection with a shooting that took place Friday evening outside Mariucci Arena, shortly after the Wayzata High School graduation ceremony. The incident left two individuals injured and sparked fear and chaos among families celebrating the milestone event.

Hamza Abdirashid Said, 20, has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and possession and operation of a machine gun after authorities identified him as the alleged shooter in the attack. The shooting occurred in a heavily populated area just outside the arena around 8 p.m., as graduates and their families were exiting the ceremony.

Gunfire Erupts Amid Graduation Celebration

University of Minnesota Police responded to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they encountered a 49-year-old man who had been shot in the head. The victim, who had been attending the graduation with his family, told police he heard an argument and a scuffle break out behind him. Moments later, a gunshot rang out.

He attempted to flee with his family but soon felt a burning sensation on his head. Realizing he was bleeding, the man collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. Medical professionals later confirmed he had suffered a skull fracture and brain bleeding, which caused numbness on the right side of his body. He remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

A second victim, a 19-year-old man, sustained a gunshot wound to his upper right leg. He was transported to a local hospital but reportedly refused to cooperate with police investigators.

Surveillance Footage Identifies Suspect

According to the criminal complaint, surveillance video from the area shows a group of males running away from the east entrance of Mariucci Arena. Among them was Said, identified by investigators as wearing a black Somali-style gown.

The footage allegedly shows Said pulling up the front of his gown and reaching toward his waistband before extending his arm toward the younger victim. A handgun is clearly visible in his hand, and multiple muzzle flashes are seen, indicating several shots were fired.

Immediately after the gunfire, bystanders can be seen ducking and running for cover in the surveillance video. Said is then seen jumping over nearby bushes and fleeing south, later discarding both his weapon and gown outside Williams Arena.

Weapon Found with Illegal Conversion Device

Officers recovered a Glock 17 handgun at the scene. Upon inspection, investigators discovered that the firearm had been illegally modified with a “switch” — a device that converts semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons. The modification is illegal under both state and federal law due to the increased danger and lack of control it introduces to the weapon.

Authorities believe the modified firearm significantly elevated the risk to everyone in the vicinity and are treating the case with heightened urgency.

No Known Motive Yet

At this time, law enforcement has not identified a motive for the shooting. It remains unclear whether Said had any connection to the victims or was involved in the graduation ceremony itself. Charges filed on Monday did not include any details suggesting a specific target or cause for the altercation.

Police continue to investigate whether others were involved in the incident and are asking anyone with information or video footage to come forward.

Community and School Officials Respond

The shooting has drawn strong reactions from both school officials and the broader community. Wayzata High School released a statement expressing sorrow over the incident:

“We are deeply saddened that this violence occurred following what should have been a joyful and memorable event. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”

University of Minnesota officials also acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and are evaluating campus security procedures in light of the event.

Suspect in Custody, Facing Felony Charges

Said was arrested and taken into custody shortly after the shooting. He is being held while awaiting his initial court appearance. Given the severity of the charges, prosecutors are expected to request continued detention.

He faces the possibility of significant prison time if convicted, particularly due to the use of an illegal automatic weapon in a public setting.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the University of Minnesota Police Department or call 911. Tips can also be submitted anonymously.