A recent series of shooting deaths and injuries in Minneapolis is frightening and frustrating residents who want police and city officials to do more to curb what they call a wave of unchecked gang violence, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune. In the past week, gunfire has killed at least three people and wounded 16 across the city, including three people shot at a gas station yesterday morning. In one shooting last week, a 17-year-old boy was found dead on the steps of his aunt's house after he tried to flee his pursuers.
“When does this stop?” asked Peter Hayden, of the Community Standards Initiative, a group aimed at helping young minority residents. “We have to talk about that.” Hayden and other community leaders demanded a chance to talk with Mayor Betsy Hodges, saying police chief Janeé Harteau had ignored their requests. Hayden said she never responded to a letter he sent three months ago seeking a meeting. Police spokesman Scott Seroka said the chief has reached out to Hayden and wants to set up a meeting with his group.