Four men were injured in a gunfight in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Monday, and all of them now face criminal charges. The shooting happened in the afternoon on the 1000 block of Fourth Street East, according to a criminal complaint.
The four men come from different parts of the Twin Cities area, including Bloomington, St. Paul, Rosemount, and St. Louis Park. Authorities say the gunfight began when the man from St. Paul fired at the man from Rosemount outside a store. What followed was a chaotic exchange of gunfire, involving all four men. Investigators report that the Bloomington and St. Louis Park men also fired their weapons during the incident.
Police arrived on the scene to find all four men wounded. They were taken to Regions Hospital for treatment. The man from Bloomington required immediate surgery, while the injuries of the other three were not considered life-threatening. After the shooting, all four men reportedly tried to get rid of their guns. Authorities also mentioned that a fifth person was involved in the incident, though that individual has not been identified or charged.
Each man now faces serious criminal charges. The Bloomington man is accused of possessing a firearm while prohibited and of committing a drive-by shooting. The St. Paul man is charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder. The Rosemount man faces charges for prohibited possession of a firearm and second-degree riot. The man from St. Louis Park is charged with second-degree attempted murder and prohibited possession of a firearm. All four were charged by warrant.
Officials are still investigating the details of what led to the gunfight and the role of the fifth person involved. While the community is grappling with the incident, police are reminding residents that gun violence carries serious consequences and can quickly escalate, putting many lives at risk. This case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the dangers of firearms in public spaces.
The investigation continues, and the legal process will determine the outcome for each individual involved. Meanwhile, the St. Paul community is left to deal with the aftermath of a violent confrontation that could have had far more devastating consequences. Authorities stress that cooperating with the investigation is crucial, as even small actions in such situations can help prevent further violence and hold those responsible accountable.
