Edina's police chief is speaking out after Tuesday's shooting outside Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.
Edina police chief Todd Milburn says concerns are growing about a number of recent incidents in the city, and he specifically points towards incidents with Somali teenagers.
"For the second time in recent months, Somali teens and young adults have been the targets of or have had some level of responsibility for shootings in community gathering places," Chief Milburn said. "At this point, we do not have enough information to say who the shooters are or why these young people were targeted. Our investigators are working tirelessly to answer those questions."
Around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Edina Police responded to call of shots fired at the church which is located on Eden Ave.
Witnesses reported there was a group of 16 to 18-year-olds playing basketball when an opposing group arrived in a vehicle and began firing handguns at the basketball players. That group fled in the car.
Detectives believe the basketball group was the intended target, not the church, with authorities adding that neither group was affiliated with the church or school.
No one was injured in the shooting.
"An incident involving gunfire affects more than those who may have been directly involved," Edina Mayor James B. Hovland said in a statement. "It affects parents who worry about their children, families who question whether familiar places remain safe, and residents who expect – and have every right to expect – peace and security in their community."
Milburn say they're expanding police coverage in parks, including with mobile cameras, and by joining the BCA's violent crime reduction unit.
"I know that many people in Edina are feeling frustrated, angry, and frankly afraid. I understand that," Milburn added. "We want answers, we want to identify the people responsible, and we want to prevent this from happening again."
Edina Police is working collaboratively with Our Lady of Grace staff on this case. They also add if you have any information or video of this incident, email EdinaPoliceTips@EdinaMN.gov.
"For the second time in recent months, Somali teens and young adults have had some level of responsibility for shootings," said Police Chief Todd Milburn
"For the second time in recent months, Somali teens and young adults have had some level of responsibility for shootings," said Police Chief Todd Milburn
