The city of Minneapolis is reeling after a week of devastating violence that has left families shattered, communities on edge, and hearts heavy with grief. Among the tragedies, authorities on Thursday confirmed the identity of the man who lost his life in the Lake Street mass shooting earlier this week: 35-year-old Gregory Doyle Sweeten.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that Gregory Sweeten was fatally struck by a rifle round to the head on Tuesday afternoon, while standing near Clinton Avenue South, just north of East Lake Street. The shooting erupted at approximately 1:30 p.m. on a sidewalk directly across from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, shaking an area already marked by deep community ties.
A Life Cut Short
Gregory Doyle Sweeten was described by those who knew him as a kindhearted man with an easy smile, someone who deeply valued his friendships and his family. Friends say he was a person who brought warmth into every room, always willing to lend a hand or share a laugh. His sudden, violent death has left loved ones heartbroken and searching for answers.
While much of the focus in the aftermath has been on the scale of the attack, community leaders and neighbors have urged the public not to lose sight of Gregory’s humanity—that he was more than just a statistic in a string of shootings. He was a son, a friend, and a member of the Minneapolis community who deserved safety and peace in his daily life.
The Shooting Incident
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara provided details on the tragic attack. According to O’Hara, the gunman exited a vehicle and opened fire with a .223-caliber high-velocity rifle, discharging roughly 30 rounds at a group of people gathered along the sidewalk. Six other individuals—five men and one woman—were struck by gunfire, with three sustaining critical injuries. Thankfully, all survivors are expected to recover.
Investigators believe at least one individual in the group was specifically targeted. However, the gunfire claimed Gregory’s life and indiscriminately endangered others, including students at the nearby high school who witnessed the chaos unfold.
Two people have since been arrested for allegedly assisting the gunman, though the primary shooter remains at large. As of Thursday morning, no charges had yet been filed.
A City in Mourning
The killing of Gregory Doyle Sweeten was tragically compounded by another act of mass violence the very next day, when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire inside Annunciation Catholic Church and School, killing two students and wounding 17 more during a back-to-school mass before taking his own life.
Together, these back-to-back shootings have left Minneapolis shaken and grieving. City leaders, clergy, and local organizations have called for unity, healing, and renewed efforts to address gun violence. Vigils and prayer services have already begun to honor the victims, with Gregory’s name often spoken alongside the others lost or injured this week.
Remembering Gregory
Those closest to Gregory are now left to remember him as he lived rather than how he died. Family members describe him as someone who had an infectious sense of humor, who loved gathering with friends, and who had dreams and goals yet unfulfilled. His death is a profound reminder of the human cost behind headlines of gun violence.
As the investigation continues, the Minneapolis community is rallying together to support the survivors, remember those taken too soon, and demand a safer future. Gregory Doyle Sweeten’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in a community determined not to let his life be forgotten.
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