Violence Prevention Officers Accused of Recklessly Shooting Up Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, MN -Two members of a Minneapolis violence prevention group have been federally indicted for recklessly firing about 43 rounds into a residential neighborhood, contradicting their mission to de-escalate violence and sparking outrage over their use of taxpayer-funded resources.

The two men were "violence interrupters" tasked with de-escalating conflicts throughout the city, FOX9 reported. The indictment, which was filed on June 5th, states that 35-year-old Kashmir McReynolds and 50-year-old Alvin Watkins Jr., "recklessly fired approximately 43 bullets into the dark in a residential neighborhood in north Minneapolis."

Court records state that McReynolds fired one gun, while Watkins fired another, despite a core tenant of the organization they belong to saying they are supposed to remain unarmed in their efforts. Watkins, a previously convicted felon, was also prohibited from possessing a firearm. Following the incident that took place on March 10th, McReynolds was charged with aiding and abetting possession of ammo/firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm, Alpha News reported.

Watkins Jr. was charged with possession of ammo/firearm after being convicted of a violent crime and reckless discharge of a firearm. McReynolds and Watkins Jr. and other community members were attending a BBQ near 36th Street and Penn Avenue North when 3 bullets were shot in their direction. One of the bullets hit McReynolds in the neck and torso.

Court documents allege that although he did not see who fired the shots, McReynolds retaliated by shooting in the general direction they came from. Indictment documents state that McReynolds then yelled at Watkins Jr. to grab another gun from his car, KSTP reported. Watkins Jr. allegedly went to McReynolds' car, grabbed the gun, and began firing near the alley between Queen and Penn avenues. The two men then got in the car and drove away. 

McReynolds and Watkins Jr. were part of the 21 Days for Peace organization that was contracted by Minneapolis for approximately $1.5 million per year for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 for "social equity building and community engagement services." However, the approval of violence interrupter groups by the Minneapolis City County has recently come under scrutiny by those questioning exactly what they do, and by what metrics they are held accountable for receiving the money that is provided to them. 

"The people of north Minneapolis deserve peace," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. "McReynolds and Watkins were paid taxpayer money to bring peace to the community. Instead, they brought the very violence they claimed to be interrupting. This is outrageous. These defendants will be held to account," he added.

"Armed violence will not be tolerated in our communities," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. "The reckless and deliberate use of firearms endangers lives and fuels fears in our communities," he added.