SHAKOPEE, Minn. — A joyful Eid al-Adha gathering in Minnesota turned tragic Wednesday morning after a man was fatally shot outside Canterbury Park’s Expo Center in Shakopee.
According to police, officers responded to reports of a shooting shortly before 10 a.m. at the event venue, where hundreds of people had gathered earlier for Eid prayers and celebrations.
When officers arrived, they found a 26-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital in Minneapolis, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities confirmed the case is now being investigated as a homicide.
Community leaders said the shooting happened after the prayer service had ended and many families had already begun leaving the area. Witnesses reported that two men became involved in a physical altercation before one of them allegedly opened fire several times and fled the scene.
The incident has left members of Minnesota’s Muslim community shocked and heartbroken on one of Islam’s most important holidays.
“It’s supposed to be a day of peace, celebration and togetherness,” one community leader said while reacting to the tragedy. “Instead, families are grieving after a senseless act of violence.”
The victim was later identified by coworkers and community members as Khalid Abdi, who worked as a field representative for a labor union organization. Friends and colleagues described him as passionate, welcoming and deeply committed to helping working-class families and marginalized communities.
Canterbury Park officials also released a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones. The shooting reportedly occurred outside the event center during a privately organized gathering.
Police said investigators are actively working to identify and locate the individuals involved in the shooting. No arrests had been announced as of Wednesday evening.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Shakopee Police Department.
