Disturbing new details have emerged from the deadly shooting at a Minneapolis church that targeted the transgender community, leaving two people dead and five others injured. Recently released transcripts of emergency calls paint a chilling picture of the panic and chaos that unfolded during what should have been a peaceful gathering.
The Night Terror Unfolded
According to the harrowing transcripts obtained by The Independent, emergency operators received multiple frantic calls from the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis church on December 30th. Callers described a scene of pure terror as a gunman opened fire during a support group event for transgender individuals and their families.
"We have an active shooter situation," one caller breathlessly reported to emergency services. The transcripts reveal how quickly the evening transformed from a community gathering into a nightmare scenario, with attendees scrambling for safety as gunshots echoed through the historic church building.
Community in Mourning
The attack claimed the lives of two individuals and left five others with gunshot wounds, sending shockwaves through Minneapolis's LGBTQ+ community. Local advocacy groups have described the shooting as a targeted attack on one of the city's most vulnerable populations.
Police have since arrested 26-year-old Manuel Benjamin Hernandez in connection with the shooting. Court documents suggest the attack was premeditated, with Hernandez allegedly researching the church's event schedule online before carrying out the violent assault.
Emergency Response Revealed
The emergency call transcripts provide unprecedented insight into the initial response to the tragedy:
- Multiple simultaneous calls reporting active shooter situation
- Detailed descriptions of the suspect provided by witnesses
- Urgent requests for medical assistance for gunshot victims
- Chaotic scenes as attendees sought shelter and escape routes
Local authorities have confirmed they are investigating the shooting as a potential hate crime, given the specific targeting of a transgender community event. The incident has sparked renewed conversations about safety for LGBTQ+ gatherings and the rising tide of violence against transgender individuals across the United States.
Community vigils have been held in Minneapolis since the tragedy, with residents and allies coming together to mourn the victims and call for greater protection of transgender rights and spaces.
