In just one week, five people were shot in Minneapolis and St. Paul — two of them didn’t survive. This isn’t violence happening in the shadows or in far-off corners of the city. It’s showing up in public parks, on neighborhood streets, and even along major highways. It’s cutting through everyday life in places where people should feel safe — walking, driving, gathering with friends or family.
This isn’t a streak of bad luck or isolated events. It’s a clear warning that danger can appear without notice, in the most ordinary moments. One second everything is fine — the next, lives are changed forever. What we’re seeing now is not just a spike in crime; it’s a shift in how and where violence is showing up. It's faster, bolder, and less predictable. And it reinforces one unavoidable truth: staying aware isn’t just smart — it’s necessary.
This Week’s Violence: A Timeline of Tragedy
June 23 – Folwell Park, Minneapolis
11‑year‑old Amir Atkins was tragically killed in what authorities believe was a drive‑by shooting tied to joyriding. A child — shot in broad daylight, in a public park. In an instant, his life tragically was taken.
June 23 (Evening) – St. Paul Community Center
Two 15‑year‑old boys were injured in a shooting outside a place built to protect youth. They survived—but their trauma won’t fade anytime soon.
June 24 – St. Paul
Mother, Tyra Rogers was shot seven times. She survived, but this wasn’t random — it was targeted, personal, and savage.
June 22 – I‑394, Minneapolis (Reported June 26)
Two women were ambushed while driving; 24‑year‑old Anassia Wiseman later died from her injuries. The attackers remained untraceable as they disappeared into traffic.
The Real Lesson: Violence Moves Fast. You Must Move Smarter.
This week was not just violent—it was crushing.
An innocent child. A pair of teens. A devoted mother. A young woman gunned down mid‑drive. These are not statistics; they’re shattered lives. It’s senseless, it’s devastating—and it demands that we face a painful truth:
Violence doesn’t care who you are. It doesn’t care where you live. It strikes in seconds — and there’s no turning back.
You don’t get a warning. You don’t get a second chance. The only question is whether you'll be ready.
The Risk: More Than Just Anecdote—It's Reality
Here’s how the Twin Cities compare:
- Minneapolis tallies around 5,713 total crimes per 100,000 residents, roughly 143% higher than the national average, and its violent crime rate stands at 1,155 per 100k, over three times the state average and nearly double the national average
- St. Paul isn’t far behind, with roughly 4,263 total crimes per 100k, and notably higher robbery and assault rates than most comparable U.S. cities.
- In 2024, Minneapolis recorded 76 homicides, compared to 48 in 2019. That’s well above pre‑pandemic levels and more than triple the national homicide rate.
- Nationally, homicide rates have actually declined ~16% from 2023 and are returning to pre‑pandemic norms — proving Minneapolis remains a dangerous exception.
Put simply: You’re significantly more likely—often exponentially more likely—to be a victim of violent crime here than most other places in America.
Blackstone Intelligence Group’s Tips for Staying Safe
- Stay Condition Yellow
Relaxed, but never complacent. Know your exits. Watch your surroundings. Stay engaged. - Don’t Be Predictable
Alter your routes, routines, and timing. Routine is easy to track. - Park Smart
Back in, don’t linger, and keep your head up. Leave no opportunity for attack. - Teach Awareness to Kids
Show them signals to watch for. Teach readiness—not fear. - Trust Your Gut
If something feels wrong, leave immediately—no questions necessary. - Secure Your Road Travel
Avoid road rage. If followed, drive to safety in public or police presence. Lock doors, raise windows.
Summary
Five shot. Two dead. An 11‑year‑old among them.
This isn’t just crime — it’s a crisis. And it demands that we rethink how we live, how we travel, how we protect ourselves.
Blackstone Intelligence Group exists for this. We’ve navigated risks in the world’s most dangerous zones. Our mission? To bring that level of awareness and security strategy home — before it’s too late.
Stay alert. Stay unpredictable. Stay alive.
If you want a personal protection plan built for today’s realities, contact us. Your life — and your loved ones — deserve nothing less.
References:
startribune.comen.wikipedia.org.