05/30/2026
Gang Shootout Outside Graduation Ceremony in St. Paul Leads to Multiple Charges
In a troubling incident following a graduation ceremony in downtown St. Paul, three individuals have been charged, and a juvenile has been implicated in a gang related shootout that occurred on May 4. According to charges filed in Ramsey County District Court on Thursday, police responded to reports of gunfire around 5:30 p.m. near the Grand Casino Arena, where a Metro State graduation was taking place. The chaotic scene resulted in two individuals being shot near Kellogg Boulevard during what authorities have identified as a confrontation between members and associates of the "Muddy" and "Vill" gangs. Officers recovered critical evidence from the scene, including a .223 rifle casing and multiple pistol casings of different calibers.
Zakriya Haashi Said, 21, from Lakeville, faces charges of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and second-degree riot. Omar Abdulwahab Mohamed, 19, of Brooklyn Park, is charged with first-degree assault causing great bodily harm, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and second-degree riot. Khalid Ali Mohamud, 21, from Minnetonka, has been charged with second-degree assault.The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office indicated that a juvenile was also involved, although details regarding their involvement or any potential charges remain undisclosed.The criminal complaints reveal that the altercation began with a verbal dispute between two groups positioned on opposite sides of the street, one including Said and the other Mohamed. Witness statements and video evidence suggest that the situation escalated when an individual approached and struck Said in the face. A witness accompanying Said reported hearing gunshots and immediately fled to his vehicle. Upon returning, he discovered that Said had sustained a gunshot wound to the face and was being supported by two others. The witness promptly transported Said to United Hospital for medical attention. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding gang violence and public safety in the community, particularly during significant events. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shootout as they work to address the issue.