MINNEAPOLIS — A shooting outside Mariucci Arena Friday night disrupted what had been a proud milestone for Wayzata High School’s Class of 2025. Two people were hospitalized following the incident, which took place just minutes after the graduation ceremony concluded. One suspect is in custody.
According to the University of Minnesota, the shooting occurred around 8:20 p.m. on May 30 outside 3M Arena at Mariucci, where more than 900 Wayzata students had just crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.
“The University of Minnesota Police Department responded to the scene, and paramedics transported two individuals to Hennepin County Medical Center,” the university said in a statement issued Friday night. “Their condition is unknown at this time. A suspect is in custody, and authorities do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the area.”
Law enforcement agencies including University of Minnesota Police, Minneapolis Police, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office remain involved in the investigation.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. Families had gathered outside Mariucci Arena to take photos and celebrate with graduates when a loud noise interrupted the festivities.
“Everyone had spilled outside in front onto the lawn to celebrate and take pictures when we heard what sounded like a gunshot… There was a mini stampede,” said Andrea Karlen, a Wayzata parent who posted a firsthand account on social media. “Everyone was in disbelief that it was real.”
Marjorie Frances Koenig Rosendahl also shared her experience in a Facebook post, writing: “Carissa’s high school graduation from Wayzata HS… 934 graduates at Mariucci Arena. If you have seen the news, there was a shooting outside the arena… We were out on the grass, I heard one shot, and the crowd started running… our family is safe… we took a couple pictures and left. Police arrived quickly… lots of police and sirens… As we were in the car waiting to get out of the parking lot the ambulance went by, siren wailing and lights flashing.”
Additional Details From Crime Watch Reports
Crime Watch Minneapolis, a community-based public safety feed, reported that:
- A 49-year-old male was shot in the head and transported to the hospital in critical condition.
- A 19-year-old male suffered two gunshot wounds to the thigh and was also transported for treatment.
- A tossed firearm was recovered at the scene.
- The suspected shooter fled southbound on 4th Street SE and was described as a Black male in his 20s, wearing a red and black shirt, blue hoodie, jeans, and slides.
- A bystander reported that a large group had been fighting just before shots were fired.
These details have not yet been confirmed by law enforcement and should be considered preliminary.
Governor Walz, Community Leaders Respond
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the shooting on social media Friday night, calling it “horrific” and stating the state “stands ready to assist” with the investigation and community support.
Wayzata Public Schools Superintendent Chace B. Anderson addressed the incident in an email to families and staff late Friday evening. “We are deeply saddened that this incident occurred at the conclusion of what should have been a joyful and memorable celebration,” Anderson wrote. “Our thoughts are with the Wayzata families and others who were directly affected by this tragic event.”
Anderson confirmed that the district is working closely with law enforcement and will offer counseling resources to students and families in the days ahead. “We are committed to supporting our school community as we begin to process and heal,” he added.
Impact on the Wayzata Community
The incident marks a somber end to an otherwise celebratory occasion at Mariucci Arena, one of the region’s largest venues for high school graduations. Wayzata High School, part of the Wayzata Public Schools District, serves students from across the western suburbs of the Twin Cities and is known for its academic and extracurricular excellence.
Wayzata Public Schools has not confirmed any specific connection between the victims and district families, though Superintendent Chace Anderson acknowledged that “Wayzata families” were among those affected.
Ongoing Coverage
This is a developing story. Wayzata.com will continue to provide verified updates as more information becomes available. Families seeking information about loved ones are advised to contact Hennepin County Medical Center or the University of Minnesota Police Department.
For continuing coverage, visit Wayzata.com and follow official updates from University of Minnesota Public Safety and Wayzata Public Schools.
Editor’s note: Crime Watch Minneapolis is a community-run public safety feed that monitors public scanner traffic and shares real-time incident reports. This story has been updated to include an official statement released Friday evening by Wayzata Public Schools Superintendent Chace Anderson.
