The Minneapolis Police Department responded to a shot spotter activation and a report of damage from gunfire at a duplex in the 3000 block of Emerson Avenue North. Inside that apartment, they found a seven-year old girl who had been shot, and another 11-year old boy grazed by a bullet.
Police tell WCCO both have non-life threatening injuries.
Responding to another shooting that injured children, Police Chief Brian O'Hara was clearly upset.
"The level of gun violence in the city is totally unacceptable," says O'Hara. "We are outraged whenever our children are victimized by senseless violence. But we are thankful that the injuries appear to be non-life threatening."
Speaking to reporters O'Hara says they have found evidence of gunfire in the street including shell casings and damage to property. He says they are following several leads but believes it was not random, but that the children were not targets.
"It is absolutely outrageous when children are victimized, by those who have no concern for human life," O'Hara said. "The injury of two innocent children is clear reminder that more needs to be done. In a city where we are rightfully focused on police reform, we also need everyone to come together and do everything possible to stop the unacceptable levels of crime and violence that have plagued some of our most vulnerable residents for too long. I will make sure the MPD is laser-focused on addressing this problem."
Both of the children are at North Memorial Hospital in stable condition.
Activist KG Wilson, who had a granddaughter killed by a stray bullet in a similar situation, spoke near the scene on Wednesday.
"If these thugs, whatever they are...monsters I call 'em because if you shoot a child, even if it's an accident because you were shooting somebody else and don't turn yourself in, you are a heartless monster," Wilson said.
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