Minneapolis, Minn. — A mass shooting late Tuesday night has left three people dead and two others injured, prompting local and federal authorities to announce the arrest of a suspect connected to the violent incident. During a press conference, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara identified the suspect as 34-year-old James Ortley, who faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and federal firearms offenses.
Chief O’Hara stated that the shooting occurred just before midnight in south Minneapolis, where five individuals were shot, resulting in the deaths of a 27-year-old man, a 20-year-old woman, and a 17-year-old boy. The police chief emphasized that the shooter was known to some victims, dispelling notions that the incident was random. Authorities are treating the case as targeted, with potential gang-related motives being explored.
The NorthStar Fugitive Task Force, led by the U.S. Marshals Service, and an FBI SWAT team assisted with Ortley’s arrest. He is currently in custody, facing both state and federal charges. Police are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to reach out to local authorities.
A series of shootings in Minneapolis has raised alarm in the community. Just hours after the mass shooting, another incident occurred in which a man in his 30s was found dead near Cedar Avenue and 17th Avenue South, not far from the earlier crime scene. Authorities believe the incidents could be connected.
Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the violence, stating that the recent homicides are “absolutely unacceptable.” He has directed the police department to utilize all available resources to ensure justice is served. O’Hara noted that the victims were members of the Indigenous community, highlighting the broader implications of the violence in the area.
Further complicating the situation, an SUV was struck by a bullet during the chaos, narrowly avoiding two young children inside. The incident has left residents feeling traumatized, particularly those in the vicinity of the Red Lake Nation Embassy, where the follow-up shooting took place.
As the investigation unfolds, police are collaborating with various federal and local agencies to piece together the events surrounding these violent acts. City leaders are hopeful that with community involvement, they will gather the information needed to address the ongoing issues of violence in Minneapolis.
Authorities remain vigilant, pledging to crack down on criminal activities as they seek to restore safety and security in a community that has been shaken by recent events.