A tragic incident unfolded in Minneapolis, Minnesota, shattering the sense of security within the queer punk community. A mass shooting occurred during the Nudieland punk event on August 11, leaving one person dead and six others wounded. The event, known as a “safe space” for the queer punk community, turned into a scene of horror as the sounds of gunfire disrupted the gathering.
The shooting transpired in the garden of a house where attendees had gathered to enjoy a punk rock show. Witnesses reported that two suspects entered an alley, followed by the sound of gunshots, before fleeing the scene on foot. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara revealed that officers arriving at the scene found multiple individuals with gunshot wounds, indicating that one of the attendees might have been deliberately targeted by the shooter.
The victim who lost their life in this senseless act of violence was identified as August Golden, a person in their 30s. The incident has left the community in shock and disbelief. Quinn McClurg, a witness at the event, shared their experience of the sudden turn of events. “It’s like normal one second, and then shots fired. And everybody hit the ground,” McClurg recounted. They expressed their commitment to using the experience as motivation to support the community and extend love to its members.
For many within the punk and LGBTQ+ community, the event was considered a secure haven. Jeremy Hanson Willis, the CEO of Rainbow Health, a Minnesota-based LGBTQ+ organization, condemned the shooting as “hateful” and “violent.” Willis urged people to contribute to the various GoFundMe campaigns established to aid the victims and their families. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of standing together against such acts of hatred.
As investigations continue, the police have yet to confirm any arrests. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara emphasized that there is a belief that one person was targeted by the shooter, and while two suspects were observed fleeing the scene, the involvement of multiple shooters remains unverified. The tragic event has sparked both grief and resilience within the queer punk community, reinforcing the message that, despite adversity, their strength and unity will endure.