A gunman armed with a high-velocity rifle opened fire on a group of people standing on a sidewalk in Minneapolis on Tuesday, leaving one person dead and six others injured, according to police.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said at least one of the victims appears to have been specifically targeted. He called the attack “deeply troubling.”
“This level of firepower unleashed in broad daylight is completely sickening and unacceptable,” O’Hara said at a press briefing.
The suspect fled in a vehicle and remains at large. Authorities are working to confirm the shooter’s identity.
The group of victims had been standing across the street from a Catholic high school when the gunfire erupted, according to police.
Officers were alerted around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday after the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system reported approximately 30 rounds fired. Responding officers discovered one man dead and six other victims suffering from gunshot wounds, some located inside nearby businesses.
Based on ShotSpotter data and the severity of injuries, investigators believe a high-velocity rifle was used.
“The damage that was done to the bodies of some of these victims is unspeakable,” O’Hara said. “Thankfully, we don’t have more people that are dead from this incident.”
All six surviving victims, believed to be adults, are expected to recover.
Police believe the shooter acted alone. O’Hara said at least one person in the group was “clearly targeted.”
The gunman fired from a corner roughly 15 yards away before escaping in a vehicle. Several parked cars were also struck by bullets.
“We’re doing everything we possibly can to identify those who are responsible for this violence,” O’Hara said, urging the public to come forward with information.
