Minneapolis, MN - Two men in their 20s were killed and another was injured in a shooting that occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning at a tobacco store located in Dinkytown. The incident, which occurred around 2:15 a.m., unfolded after an altercation escalated into gunfire, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.

The injured man, also in his 20s, was one of three employees present inside the tobacco store at the time of the shooting. He was rushed to the hospital to receive treatment for a gunshot wound and is expected to survive. Authorities have confirmed that the injured employee was not responsible for firing any shots during the altercation.

Law enforcement officers swiftly responded to reports of gunfire coming from the store, located at the intersection of 4th Street and 14th Avenue Southeast. The incident is believed to have stemmed from a heated exchange between two groups of customers.

Despite the incident occurring within close proximity to the University of Minnesota campus, authorities have stated that none of the victims are believed to be University of Minnesota students. Minneapolis Police Department Sergeant Garrett Parten acknowledged the concerns of parents and students, emphasizing the general concern for safety throughout the city.

Police are currently working on determining the exact number of individuals involved in the shooting. The shocking news of the investigation into the double homicide left University of Minnesota students in disbelief, with local establishments responding to the incident by temporarily closing for safety.

"It is hard to hear," expressed U of M parent and Campus Safety Coalition Board Member Marcia Cotter. "And I think a lot of parents are sort of concerned as to why this smoke shop is open at 2:15, 2:30 in the morning [...] I think that's a concern of a lot of parents."

Sgt. Parten emphasized that while shots-fired incidents in the Dinkytown area have been decreasing, the safety of the campus community remains a top priority. "Addressing gun violence and the harm that results from it is our highest priority," he stated.

As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and investigators continue to gather information to establish a clearer understanding of the events leading up to the incident.

The Minneapolis Police Department urges anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the investigation.