Friends, colleagues and police identified Khalid Abdi as the 26-year-old man who was shot and killed Wednesday outside an Eid prayer service in Shakopee.
Abdi died after being shot multiple times outside the Canterbury Park Expo Center, according to Shakopee police.
Shakopee police arrested a suspect in the shooting Thursday morning. The suspect is in custody at the Scott County jail. Police are investigating the shooting as a homicide.
Abdi was first identified in an online fundraising page seeking support for funeral services. Abdi is married and expecting his first child, according to the post.
“Khalid was supposed to be building his future,” the post on LaunchGood states. “What should have been a season of joy, new beginnings, and celebration has now become a time of unimaginable grief for his wife, unborn child, parents, siblings, and everyone who loved him.”
The shooting occurred on Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest days on the Muslim calendar.
The American Council of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 5 also identified Abdi as the shooting victim. The union shared a post on Facebook noting that he was a member, and that the union is “heartbroken” by his loss.
“Khalid will be forever remembered for his tenacious organizing spirit, his warm and inviting presence, and his unyielding passion and drive to fight for the working-class and all historically marginalized communities,” AFSCME Council 5 Executive Director, Bart Andersen said in a prepared statement. “His mentorship of countless workers, defending contract language and workers’ rights, and the collective bargaining agreements he negotiated alongside workers will last a lifetime.
According to Shakopee police: Police found Abdi at 9:55 a.m. while responding to a weapons complaint. First responders immediately transported him to Hennepin Healthcare.
Shakopee police confirmedWednesday afternoon that he had died.
Shakopee police are working to identify other individuals involved in the shooting, and ask that anyone with information call them at 952-445-1411.
A Canterbury Park spokesperson said that the shooting happened in the parking lot outside of the event center.
Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations of Minnesota, told Sahan Journal Wednesday that he was still gathering information on the incident.
Habon Abdulle, executive director of Ayada Leads, a local nonprofit that advocates for immigrant women, said in a written statement that, “We hope those responsible are swiftly identified and brought to justice.”
“Eid al-Adha is one of the holiest and most sacred days for Muslims, a time meant for prayer, reflection, family and community,” she said. “Experiencing violence on such a sacred occasion is deeply painful and completely unacceptable.”
Canterbury Park spokesperson Jeff Maday said Wednesday that the casino remains open and that live racing will resume this weekend. He added that Canterbury maintains a security presence at all hours.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the victim and his loved ones,” Mayday said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
