ICYMI: Fueled By Hate—Teen Gunman Pleads Guilty to Deadly Mass Shooting in Minnesota
A Minnesota teen has admitted guilt in a deadly concert shooting, sparking outrage over the hate-fueled attack. 🌐 #News #MinneapolisMN #Minnesota #Crime
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – An 18-year-old at the center of a deadly mass shooting during a Minneapolis, Minnesota punk concert has admitted guilt. The August 2023 attack claimed one life and injured several others, leaving the local LGBTQ+ community shaken. Now, the gunman faces more than 23 years behind bars.
Dominic James Burris, who was just 17 when he opened fire on the crowd, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree intentional murder and aiding and abetting first-degree assault causing serious injury. His plea comes as part of a deal that will see him serving over two decades in prison.
The crime left 35-year-old Nicholas “August” Golden dead, while six others were wounded in a brutal scene that unfolded during what should have been a carefree evening of music.
DIY Concert Becomes a Crime Scene
The shooting took place at a backyard concert venue, a staple for the East Phillips neighborhood’s punk and DIY music enthusiasts. But on that August night, chaos erupted when shots were fired, disrupting what had been a peaceful gathering.
Authorities said Burris was the main force behind the attack.
By the time police arrived, Golden was dead, and several concertgoers lay wounded. Investigators discovered that Burris and another individual, identified as Boyd, were making homophobic remarks leading up to the shooting.
The concert had attracted many attendees from the LGBTQ+ community, and witnesses confirmed that the attackers were not known to the group.
Hate-Fueled Violence and Its Aftermath
What began as an evening celebrating music ended in tragedy, as gunfire tore through the crowd.
The attack was not only deadly but appeared to be fueled by hateful sentiments. Witness statements described Burris and his accomplice as antagonistic, targeting attendees with slurs before opening fire.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office described Burris as the main aggressor. His certification as an adult in court proceedings ensured he would face the full weight of the law, despite being a minor when the crime occurred.
Long Road to Justice
Burris’ sentencing is set for March 24, where his plea deal will be finalized. Prosecutors pushed for a lengthy sentence, reflecting the severity of the crime and the lasting damage it caused. The plea agreement locks in a punishment of over 23 years, a sentence aimed at delivering justice for Golden’s death and the trauma inflicted on survivors.
The case has left lasting scars, especially within Minneapolis’ LGBTQ+ community. Concertgoers who witnessed the attack continue to grapple with the emotional fallout, and the city mourns the life lost that night.
While Burris’ guilty plea closes one chapter of the legal proceedings, the impact of the senseless violence lingers. As sentencing approaches, the community braces for the emotional weight of reliving the tragic night in court, hoping the punishment brings some closure to those left behind.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Minnesota
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