Two Somali teenagers wounded in gang-related shooting outside Minnesota high school

Minnesota (HOL) — Two Somali teenagers were wounded in a gang-related shooting outside a Minnesota high school during a homecoming football game.

The shooting happened at about 8:40 p.m. Friday in a parking lot on the north side of Eden Prairie High School while the school’s football team was playing Minnetonka High School, according to the Eden Prairie Police Department.

Police identified the wounded as two Somali males from St. Paul, ages 17 and 18. Authorities said neither was a student at Eden Prairie or Minnetonka high schools.

Both were taken to Hennepin Healthcare with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Police said the 18-year-old was released Saturday, while the 17-year-old remained hospitalized.

Investigators said a large altercation broke out on the west side of Aerie Stadium shortly before the shooting. Officers broke up the fight and removed several people from the stadium grounds. Gunfire was reported in the school parking lot a short time later.

“Based on the investigation so far, police believe the shooting was gang-related,” the department said in a Saturday update.

Police said investigators were pursuing multiple leads but did not have enough specific information about a suspect to release publicly.

The gunfire prompted officials to evacuate Aerie Stadium during the second half of the homecoming game. Students, players and spectators were directed away from the school grounds as officers secured the area.

Eden Prairie High School later canceled its homecoming dance scheduled for Saturday night.

Classes resumed Monday with additional support available for students and employees.

The suspended football game also resumed Monday, with Eden Prairie defeating Minnetonka 28-21.

The shooting has prompted renewed discussion within Minnesota’s Somali community about youth gun violence.