Loading article...
Man shot and killed during Eid prayer service at Canterbury Expo Center in Shakopee, Minnesota
A 26-year-old man was shot and killed during a Muslim prayer service marking Eid at the Canterbury Park Expo Center in Shakopee, Minnesota. The suspect remains at large as police investigate the homicide.
A 26-year-old man was fatally shot during a Muslim prayer service marking Eid al-Adha at the Canterbury Park Expo Center in Shakopee, Minnesota on Wednesday morning. According to LiveNOW FOX, Shakopee police responded to the shooting just before 10am and found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center where he later died.
The victim, whose identity has not been publicly released, was described by his younger brother as a man who focused on work, faith, and family. He was expecting a child at the time of his death. Investigators have classified the case as a homicide and confirmed they are still searching for the suspect responsible for the shooting.
The shooting occurred during one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, as Muslims across the country gathered to celebrate Eid al-Adha with communal prayers and celebrations. The Canterbury Park Expo Center had been hosting the prayer service when the violence erupted, sending worshippers fleeing and casting a shadow over the religious holiday.
Shakopee, a city located southwest of Minneapolis, has experienced relatively few homicides in recent years. A Fox 9 review found six homicides in the city over the last decade, including a double homicide in 2016. Canterbury Park released a statement regarding the incident but details about a possible motive or the relationship between the victim and the suspect have not yet been disclosed by law enforcement.
The shooting has prompted an outpouring of grief from the local Muslim community and raised concerns about safety at religious gatherings. Local and national Muslim organisations have called for a thorough investigation and for enhanced security measures at community prayer events. Police have urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Shakopee Police Department or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.