MINNEAPOLIS — The summer began with tragedy in Minneapolis as an 11-year-old boy was shot and killed in a city park over the weekend, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 23, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who confirmed the heartbreaking news during a press conference. The county medical examiner has tentatively identified the young victim as 11-year-old Amir Atkins.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Amir’s mother with funeral expenses as the family navigates the devastating loss.
According to police, gunfire erupted shortly after 2 p.m. in a public park. A nearby resident, sitting on his porch, reported hearing cries for help moments after the shots were fired. The man discovered the injured child and immediately placed Amir and another male into his vehicle to drive them to the hospital.
On the way, the man encountered a law enforcement officer and stopped for assistance. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, Amir was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
“I cannot emphasize enough how terrible it is to have an 11-year-old boy shot and killed in the middle of the day,” Chief O’Hara said. “We need anyone with information to come forward so we can bring some sense of justice to this child’s family. We are following every lead, but we need the public’s help to solve this.”
In a statement posted online, Amir’s family described him as a joyful, loving child who brought happiness to everyone around him. His brother, who was present at the time of the shooting, reportedly carried Amir as they searched for help and held him during the rushed drive to the hospital.
“Amir was a beacon of light in our lives — a joyful, loving child whose laughter filled our hearts,” wrote his uncle. “He had a unique spark that touched everyone he met, and his absence leaves a void that can never be filled.”
The Minneapolis Police Department is actively investigating the shooting and encourages anyone with information to contact authorities.
