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Late-Night Gunfire Shakes Brooklyn Park Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
BROOKLYN PARK, MN
In the early hours of Sunday, February 1, 2026, residents in north Minneapolis’ suburban neighbor were jolted awake by the sound of gunfire as the Brooklyn Park Police Department responded to multiple reports of shots fired. At approximately 1:17 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 9900 block of Scott Avenue North after several callers reported the crack of gunfire in the neighborhood, according to a statement from the department.
Upon arrival, police confirmed that several rounds had been discharged into the area. Initial investigation showed no injuries and no immediate suspects in custody as officers canvassed the scene and began collecting evidence. Authorities have not released detailed descriptions of any suspect or motive, and the investigation remains active.
The overnight shooting comes at a moment of heightened public safety concern across the Twin Cities region, where law enforcement agencies and federal authorities have been at odds over the scope and conduct of federal operations in Minnesota.
In recent weeks, law enforcement leaders throughout the Twin Cities have raised concerns about the behavior of federal immigration agents operating under a large-scale initiative known as Operation Metro Surge. Community and police officials have accused some agents of racially profiling civilians — and in isolated incidents, even off-duty police officers — although federal authorities dispute these claims.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley has been one of the most vocal critics of the federal enforcement presence, accusing a “small group” of federal agents of stopping vehicles and questioning U.S. citizens without clear legal grounds. In one widely reported incident, an off-duty Brooklyn Park officer said she was pulled over by federal agents who demanded paperwork and drew their weapons before leaving when she identified herself.
That criticism comes amid broader legal and political battles over the federal operation. Local officials, including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and city leaders across the metro, have pursued lawsuits alleging the enforcement surge violates state sovereignty and civil rights protections. A federal judge recently declined to halt the operation ahead of a full trial, though public debate continues to be intense.
While the shooting on Scott Avenue North appears to be an isolated late-night incident, it reflects the broader climate of unease confronting many Twin Cities suburbs. In recent weeks, Brooklyn Park has seen its share of violent crime and public safety challenges, including a fatal shooting at a local apartment complex on January 13, 2026, and an assault arrest made by police on January 27.
Police urge residents with information — especially those who may have seen suspicious vehicles or individuals in the area late Saturday night — to come forward. Anyone with tips is asked to contact the Brooklyn Park Police Department directly or use the non-emergency tip line, as investigators work to piece together the facts of the case.
As of Sunday evening, no fatalities or serious injuries have been confirmed, and no official suspect description has been released. The department says updates will be issued when more information becomes available.
