BURNSVILLE, MN – The tranquility of Rideau Park was shattered Friday night when a mass shooting left five people injured and a community in turmoil. Witnesses reported seeing the suspects emerge from the woods and open fire, hitting five individuals, four of whom were rushed to the hospital. The shooters remain at large, heightening the anxiety of local residents.
Eric Johnson, who lives nearby, was at an intersection when the chaos erupted. His dash camera recorded the sound of automatic gunfire as his children fled the park. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare,” he said, echoing the fear and confusion felt by many in the neighborhood.
The day after the shooting, residents were still grappling with the shock. Megan, who requested her last name be withheld, described how her ten- and thirteen-year-old daughters were among the children playing at the park around 8:15 p.m. They saw four individuals dressed in black emerge from behind a hill and start shooting, seemingly targeting teenagers on the basketball court.
The attack has left families struggling to feel safe in their own homes. “We didn’t sleep well. None of us did,” Megan admitted, underscoring the lasting impact of the incident on her family.
The Burnsville Police Department has yet to make any arrests and is appealing to the public for information. They are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward as they continue their investigation.
Residents remain on edge, questioning the safety of their community and grappling with the emotional aftermath of the shooting. Increased police patrols aim to reassure the public and prevent further incidents.
This tragic event has prompted discussions about community safety and the need for vigilance in public spaces, as families try to cope with the psychological toll of the shooting.