WILLMAR, Minn. — Two young men were killed and another was critically injured following a shooting near Rau Park in Willmar, Minnesota, on Monday evening, September 21, according to police and local reports.
Willmar police were dispatched around 8 p.m. to the area of Rau Park in the 1000 block of 7th Street Northwest after receiving a report of gunfire. The park is near the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds. Responding officers and emergency medical personnel found two injured men and began providing lifesaving treatment.
Two Victims Die, Third Remains Critical
The first two victims found by responders were Willmar residents ages 19 and 20. Both were transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Police said the 19-year-old later died, while the 20-year-old was airlifted to a St. Cloud hospital, where he remained in critical condition.
A third 19-year-old Willmar man was transported separately to the local hospital in a personal vehicle and was also pronounced dead.
As of the latest reports reviewed, police had not initially released the victims’ names while family notifications were being completed. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was assisting with processing the scene and investigators were interviewing witnesses.
Police Say No Ongoing Public Threat
Authorities described the shooting as an isolated incident and said they did not believe it was random. Police also said they did not believe there was a current threat to the broader public. The circumstances leading to the gunfire and the motive remained under investigation.
No arrests had been announced in the latest reporting reviewed.
| Key Detail | Confirmed Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Rau Park area, Willmar, Minnesota |
| Date | September 21, 2026 |
| Approximate time | 8 p.m. |
| Fatalities | 2 |
| Critically injured | 1 |
| Victims | Three Willmar residents |
| Ages | 19, 20 and 19 |
| Police assessment | Isolated, not random |
| Public threat | None believed to be ongoing |
| Suspect/arrests | None reported in latest coverage |
| Investigation | Active |
| Assisting agency | Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension |
Accuracy Note
The information above reflects the latest police-based reporting available at the time of publication. Investigators said the case remained active and additional facts could change as the investigation develops.