Union Worker Killed In Shooting At Muslim Prayer Gathering In Shakopee

SHAKOPEE, MN — A man who was shot during an Eid prayer gathering at Canterbury Park in Shakopee has died, and police are now investigating the case as a homicide.

Shakopee police said officers responded at about 9:55 a.m. Wednesday to a weapons complaint at Canterbury Park. Officers found a 26-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds, according to police.

The man was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center. Police later said the investigation had become a homicide investigation.

AFSCME Council 5 identified the man killed as Khalid Abdi, a field representative for the union.

"Our AFSCME Council 5 family is in mourning," Bart Andersen, executive director of AFSCME Council 5, said in a statement. "It is with unimaginable sadness and heartbreak to share that we lost our union brother and AFSCME Council 5 Field Representative Khalid Abdi today, who was shot and killed while attending an Eid prayer gathering in Shakopee."

AFSCME Council 5 said the union has offered support to Abdi’s family.

"Khalid will be forever remembered for his tenacious organizing spirit, his warm and inviting presence, and his unyielding passion and drive to fight for the working-class and all historically marginalized communities," Andersen said.

The union said Abdi mentored workers, defended contract language and workers’ rights, and helped negotiate collective bargaining agreements alongside workers.

Police said they are still working to identify the people involved in the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Shakopee Police Department at 952-445-1411.