MINNEAPOLIS — Over the weekend, two separate shootings at homeless encampments in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of three individuals, prompting authorities to consider a potential link between the incidents.

On Saturday, law enforcement discovered three men suffering from gunshot wounds at an encampment in south Minneapolis. They were immediately transported to a hospital for urgent care. While two of the victims survived, a 31-year-old man sadly succumbed to his injuries.

The following day, police were alerted to another shooting occurring at a small tent encampment situated near some railroad tracks, also in south Minneapolis. There, officers found two men who had been fatally shot. Additionally, a woman who had also sustained gunshot wounds was located at the scene; she was subsequently taken to a local hospital for treatment and was being cared for as of Sunday night.

Authorities have not dismissed the possibility that both shootings may be interconnected. As of Sunday evening, police had not identified any suspects in the incidents.

Police Chief Brian O’Hara made a statement addressing the violence prevalent in these encampments, attributing it in part to the issues of drug use and mental health among individuals living there. He encouraged residents to accept the various resources being offered by the city.

“The brutal killing of three people within the confines of a tent is unacceptable,” O’Hara expressed. “Every life is valuable, and these encampments are not safe. The Minneapolis Police Department will continue to tackle crime-related challenges associated with homeless encampments, and city officials remain committed to providing necessary resources.”