**MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis community, reeling from the devastating loss of 11-year-old Amir Lamar Atkins, received bittersweet news as police announced the arrest of a 16-year-old boy in connection with the June 23, 2025, fatal shooting at Folwell Park. The arrest, made on Tuesday morning in Apple Valley, marks a significant development in a case that has sparked grief, outrage, and renewed calls for action to address gun violence and youth safety.

**The Arrest and Police Efforts
On July 22, 2025, at approximately 9:01 a.m., Minneapolis police took a 16-year-old male into custody without incident in Apple Valley. The suspect, whose identity is withheld due to his age, was booked into the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center on suspicion of murder. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara praised the diligence of investigators, stating, “I am incredibly grateful to the hard work of the investigators who worked to complete a thorough investigation of this heinous crime. I am hopeful that this arrest brings a sense of justice for Amir and his family.”

The arrest comes one month after the tragic incident, which unfolded in broad daylight at Folwell Park on Dowling Avenue North in North Minneapolis. While specific charges have not yet been disclosed, the breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope for Amir’s family and a community grappling with the loss of a young life.

**The Day of the Shooting
On June 23, 2025, at around 2:08 p.m., Minneapolis police responded to reports of gunfire at Folwell Park. Witnesses described a chaotic scene involving multiple vehicles driving recklessly through the park and its adjacent parking lot. Amir Atkins, an 11-year-old from Hopkins, was a passenger in one of these vehicles—a Kia later found with bullet holes on both sides. Gunfire erupted, and Amir was struck in the head.

A teenager, believed to be Amir’s older brother, was seen carrying the wounded boy down Morgan Avenue, desperately seeking help to get him to a hospital. A nearby resident, Troy Young, acted quickly, placing Amir in his pickup truck and driving toward medical care. Spotting a police officer near Penn and Dowling Avenues, Young flagged them down. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts by the officer, fire personnel, and EMS, Amir was pronounced dead at the scene. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner confirmed his cause of death as a homicide resulting from a gunshot wound to the head.

**The Investigation and Unanswered Questions**

Minneapolis police believe the shooting is linked to the vehicles joyriding in the park, though the exact motive and circumstances remain under investigation. Authorities have indicated that multiple individuals were present at the time of the incident, with at least one shooter involved. Chief O’Hara emphasized the gravity of the tragedy, stating, “I cannot emphasize enough how terrible it is to have an 11-year-old boy shot and killed in the middle of the day.” Police continue to follow leads and are urging the public to provide any information or footage that could aid the investigation. Tips can be submitted anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.CrimeStoppersMN.org, with potential rewards for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

**Community Response and Calls for Change**

The death of Amir Atkins has sent shockwaves through Minneapolis, prompting community leaders, activists, and residents to demand action to curb gun violence and protect youth. At a press conference held at the Folwell Recreation Center on June 25, 2025, community activist Angela Williams spoke passionately about the need for accountability, particularly within families. “We need to step up and be accountable for our children,” she said, emphasizing that parks should be safe spaces for kids to play without fear of violence. Reverend Tim Christopher echoed her sentiments, declaring, “That should be the last kid,” in reference to children lost to gun violence.

Community organizations like T.O.U.C.H Outreach, led by executive director Muhammad Abdul-Ahad, highlighted the growing issue of teen violence in parks, noting their accessibility as neutral grounds where conflicts can escalate. Princess Titus, co-founder of Appetite for Change and a mother who lost her son to gun violence, called the situation an “epidemic,” urging systemic changes to address the root causes.

Proposed solutions include increased youth engagement programs, enhanced park safety measures, stricter controls on illegal firearms, and greater support for trauma recovery in affected neighborhoods. Minneapolis Park Police Chief Jason Ohotto noted that Folwell Park had not reported serious violent incidents in over two years prior to this shooting, underscoring the need for data-driven patrols and community-based violence prevention initiatives like the Street Reach team.

**Remembering Amir Atkins**

Amir Lamar Atkins was described by his family as “a beacon of light in our lives—a joyful, loving child whose laughter filled our hearts.” The 11-year-old was known for his bright personality, love of sports, and close bond with his siblings. A balloon memorial now stands at the corner of Penn and Dowling Avenues, adorned with flowers, stuffed animals, and heartfelt messages from neighbors, classmates, and strangers mourning his loss. A GoFundMe campaign launched by Amir’s uncle to cover funeral expenses reflects the profound void left by his absence, with the family writing, “He had a unique spark that touched everyone he met.”

**Looking Ahead**

As the investigation continues, prosecutors face the critical decision of whether to charge the 16-year-old suspect as a juvenile or an adult, a choice that will hinge on the evidence and the nature of the charges. Minneapolis police remain committed to uncovering the full circumstances of the shooting and identifying any additional individuals involved.

The loss of Amir Atkins serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on communities, particularly on young lives. While the arrest offers a step toward justice, the broader work of prevention, healing, and systemic change remains urgent. Community members, united in grief, continue to call for safer parks, stronger support for youth, and an end to the violence that has claimed too many lives too soon.