MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Tragedy Strikes as Night Turns Violent Near 25th Street and Bloomington Avenue: Three Dead, Two Injured in Late-Night Shooting

Minneapolis was shaken to its core late Tuesday night, April 29, 2025, as gunfire erupted near the intersection of 25th Street and Bloomington Avenue, turning a quiet residential neighborhood into a scene of chaos and heartbreak. What began as an ordinary spring night ended in devastating violence, with five people shot, three of whom were killed. The tragic incident has left the community mourning and searching for answers.

Among the deceased was 28-year-old Evan Denny, known to many by his street names Ramone Day and “Eday.” His identity was confirmed by both family members and community activists familiar with his work in the area. The other two victims, whose names have not yet been released pending notification of their families, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two additional individuals sustained gunshot wounds; one of them remains hospitalized in critical condition, while the other is being treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

According to eyewitnesses and preliminary reports from the Minneapolis Police Department, the shooting occurred just before midnight. Residents in the area reported hearing a rapid succession of gunshots, followed by screams and the sound of vehicles fleeing the scene. When officers arrived, they found a chaotic and heartbreaking scene — several victims lying on the pavement, some unresponsive, others groaning in pain.

Authorities have not released a motive, and no arrests have been made as of Wednesday morning. Investigators are combing through security footage from nearby homes and businesses and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Police believe multiple suspects may have been involved and are not ruling out the possibility of gang-related activity or a targeted attack.

“This is a deeply disturbing event,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara during a press briefing. “We are committed to finding out what happened and bringing those responsible to justice. But we cannot do it alone — we need the community’s help.”

Evan Denny, or “Eday,” was a well-known figure in parts of South Minneapolis. While his past included brushes with the law, community leaders say he had recently been working to turn his life around. Friends and activists described him as a complicated but charismatic person who had the ability to bring people together and was increasingly involved in local outreach initiatives aimed at curbing youth violence.

“He was trying,” said longtime friend and community advocate Maurice Lyles. “He wasn’t perfect, but he wanted to be better. He was talking about starting a mentorship program, about getting out of the street life. He didn’t deserve to die like this.”

This shooting is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have gripped parts of Minneapolis in recent months, rekindling concerns about gun violence and public safety in a city still grappling with the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing and the broader conversation about policing and justice reform.

City officials responded swiftly to the tragedy, with Mayor Jacob Frey issuing a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and calling for unity in the wake of yet another senseless act of violence.

“My heart is with the families of those who lost their lives last night, and with those who are fighting to recover,” Frey said. “We must come together as a city — not only to grieve, but to demand accountability and work toward real solutions to end this cycle of violence.”

Community members gathered at the scene early Wednesday, lighting candles and leaving flowers as a makeshift memorial began to take shape. The air was heavy with grief, anger, and frustration — emotions that have become all too familiar in a city searching for peace.

“We’re tired of burying our kids,” said neighborhood resident Angela Thomas. “This can’t keep happening. We need change — and we need it now.”

As the investigation continues, the Minneapolis Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers or submit tips anonymously. Increased patrols have been deployed to the area in an effort to reassure residents and deter further violence.

This devastating act of violence underscores the ongoing struggle with gun crime in American cities and highlights the complex challenges faced by communities working to heal and rebuild. For now, Minneapolis mourns the loss of life — and waits anxiously for justice to be served.

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