A team of Minnesota National Guard members and Minneapolis police officers were the target of a shooting in the city early Sunday, authorities said.
Two guards were slightly injured when someone in a light-colored SUV fired at the “neighborhood security team” around 4:19 a.m. in Minneapolis, the Minnesota National Guard said in a statement.
One guard was treated at a local hospital after being cut by broken glass and the other “only received superficial injuries,” according to the statement.
“I am relieved to know that none of our guards were seriously injured,” said Chief of General Shawn Manke, an assistant to the Minnesota National Guard.
“This event highlights the volatility and tension of our communities at the moment. I ask for peace as we work through this difficult time. “
The city has been on the brink in the midst of the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd and protests over the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, a suburb of Minneapolis.
The Minnesota National Guard was activated as part of the joint “Safety Network Operation” effort with local law enforcement “to protect people, freedom of speech and property” during the process. and the protests, according to the statement.
Gov. Tim Walz said he spoke to the two wounded guards, one in his thirties and the other in his forties, and said they are “fine,” according to CNN.
“But it highlights the danger the situation can pose,” Walz told local station WCCO.
The Democrat also urged calm before the verdict of the Chauvin trial. Jurors will begin deliberations Monday.
“The verdict will be a key point in the history of our state and the way we respond to it will shape us,” he said.