MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A suspect opened fire on a Metro Transit bus in North Minneapolis Friday afternoon, sending three passengers to the hospital and sparking an intensive manhunt as police search for the shooter who remains at large.
The shooting erupted near the intersection of North 36th Avenue and Penn Avenue when a man exited the bus and began firing shots into the vehicle, according to Metro Transit officials. The sudden attack left passengers scrambling for cover as bullets pierced the bus.
Three people were struck by gunfire and transported to local hospitals. One victim has since been released, while two others remain hospitalized – one in critical but stable condition and another in stable condition. Their identities have not been released.
Metro Transit police have identified a suspect in the shooting but have not made any arrests as of Saturday evening. Interim Police Chief Joe Dotseth acknowledged the investigation is moving quickly but declined to provide details about the person of interest.
“I don’t have that information right now. Again, a very active scene right now, and the officers are out searching for the shooter right now,” Dotseth told reporters Friday evening.
Investigators have not determined how many shots were fired or whether the shooting was a targeted attack or random act of violence. The motive remains unclear as detectives interview witnesses and review surveillance footage from the bus and surrounding area.
The incident has renewed concerns about safety on the city’s public transit system, despite Metro Transit data showing that serious crimes like robbery, assault, and homicide were down in 2025 compared to previous years. Critics have pointed to minimal police presence on bus lines even as ridership has increased.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Metro Transit police immediately. The investigation remains active as authorities work to locate and apprehend the gunman before he can strike again.
