6-year-old Girl Struck by Gunfire in North Minneapolis Dies at Hospital
Aniya Allen, who died of her injuries after being shot by stray gunfire in north Minneapolis on Monday, May 17.
A 6-year-old girl is the latest casualty of a string of shootings in Minneapolis that have critically injured young children.
Aniya Allen died of her injuries Wednesday morning at Hennepin County Medical Center after being rushed there late Monday, May 17. Allen was riding in a vehicle with family on the 3500 block of Penn Ave. N. when gunfire struck the vehicle, hitting her in the head.
Another man was injured in the shooting near the intersection and was later taken to North Memorial hospital in Robbinsdale with critical injuries. Aniya remained in critical condition until Wednesday, when family and Minneapolis police confirmed her death.
No arrests have been announced in what is now the 28th homicide of the year so far in Minneapolis.
Aniya was the granddaughter of longtime local activist K. G. Wilson, who has been a vocal advocate of anti-violence initiatives in the Twin Cities area. Wilson called for the shooter or shooters to come forward immediately, surrounded by family and law enforcement officials at a news conference Wednesday at the hospital where Aniya died.
“It went from sadness to madness. I went from being sad to being angry and furious,” Wilson said. “You murdered our loved one, a 6-year-old baby, a precious little girl. You murdered her. I don't know who you are, or where you're at, but I hope you are watching this.”
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Aniya was the third child to be shot in Minneapolis in the last three weeks, with all of the children being shot in the head by apparent stray gunfire. Ladavionne Garrett Jr., 10, was shot in the back seat of his parent’s car on April 30 and Trinity Smith, 9, was jumping on a trampoline at a birthday party on Saturday when she was hit by gunfire. Both Ladavionne and Trinity are still at North Memorial hospital recovering from serious injuries.
Authorities asked anyone with information in relation to these shootings to come forward by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips are anonymous and you may be eligible for a reward.