At least 13 people have been injured in two shootings in Minneapolis within 12 hours, police said.

The deadlier incident took place around 10 p.m. on Monday at a homeless encampment near Lake Street and 28th Avenue S. Police confirmed eight people were shot, four critically, after an exchange of gunfire. An off-duty officer nearby heard the shots and found victims in and around tents. Three additional victims had already reached hospitals before officers arrived. Investigators recovered about 30 shell casings at the scene.

The encampment was set up in July by landlord Hamoudi Sabri on private land he owns. City officials have been seeking to close the site, which has been the subject of a legal dispute. Mayor Jacob Frey said it would be cleared once police completed their work. By Tuesday morning, city crews dismantled the camp under police supervision.

Earlier on Monday, five people were injured in another shooting near the Lake Street transit station and Midtown Greenway. One victim was seriously hurt with gunshot wounds to the head and neck, while four others were treated for non-critical injuries. Police said gunfire came from both the Greenway and a nearby motorway ramp.

Brian O’Hara, Chief of Police of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) said both shootings may have targeted homeless individuals or locations where vulnerable people gather. No arrests have been made.

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