A 26-year-old man died Wednesday after being shot multiple times in the morning during a prayer service at Canterbury Park, according to Shakopee police.
The shooting occurred on Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest days on the Muslim calendar. The victim’s identity had not been released as of late Wednesday afternoon, and police had not revealed a potential motive or any suspect information.
According to Shakopee police: Police found the victim at 9:55 a.m. while responding to a weapons complaint. First responders immediately transported the man to Hennepin Healthcare. Shakopee police later posted on its Facebook account that the man 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.
Messages left with Shakopee Police Chief Jamie Pearson were not immediately returned as of Wednesday afternoon. 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 that he was still gathering information on the incident.
Habon Abdulle, executive director of Ayala 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 that the casino remains open and that live racing will resume this weekend.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the victim and his loved ones,” Mayday said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
