WILLMAR, Minn. — A shooting at a Willmar park near the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds left two young men dead and another critically injured Monday night, September 21, 2026, according to local authorities.
Police responded to Rau Park in the 1000 block of 7th Street Northwest at approximately 8 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. The park is located near the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds.
Two of the victims were transported by ambulance to a local hospital. One later died, while the other was transferred by helicopter to a hospital in St. Cloud and remained in critical condition. A third 19-year-old man was taken to a hospital by private vehicle and was also pronounced dead.
Willmar police have described the shooting as an isolated incident that was not random and said they do not believe there is a current threat to the public. No arrests had been announced in the latest reports reviewed.
Willmar Shooting Leaves Two Dead
The shooting claimed the lives of two young men from Willmar.
Police said two men, ages 19 and 20, were treated at the scene before being taken by ambulance to a local hospital. One of those men died at the hospital, while the other was transferred to a St. Cloud hospital in critical condition.
A third Willmar man, also 19, was transported separately to the local hospital in a personal vehicle. He later died.
Authorities have not released the identities of the victims pending notification of their families.
Where Did the Willmar Shooting Happen?
The shooting occurred at Rau Park in northwest Willmar, in the 1000 block of 7th Street Northwest.
The park is just east of the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds.
Police and other investigators secured the area while evidence was collected and witnesses were interviewed. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was also called to assist with the investigation.
The area around the park remained restricted while investigators processed the scene.
One Victim Remains in Critical Condition
One of the shooting victims survived the initial incident but suffered injuries serious enough to require transfer to a hospital in St. Cloud.
The victim remained in critical condition in the latest reports.
The other two victims, both from Willmar, died following the shooting.
Authorities have not publicly released further details about the nature of the injuries.
Police Say Shooting Was Not Random
Willmar police have emphasized that the incident appears to have been isolated.
Police said they do not believe there is a current public threat and described the shooting as not being a random act of violence.
Authorities have not yet publicly explained what led to the gunfire or identified a motive.
No arrests had been announced in the latest reporting.
Investigation Into Willmar Shooting Continues
The investigation remains active.
Willmar police are collecting witness statements and evidence from the park, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting investigators.
Authorities are expected to work to establish what happened immediately before the shooting, who was involved and what circumstances led to the gunfire.
Because the investigation is still developing, details may change as investigators obtain additional evidence and speak with witnesses.
Community Reacts to Fatal Willmar Shooting
The shooting has brought grief to Willmar and the surrounding Kandiyohi County community.
The loss of two young people, combined with another person remaining critically injured, has left families and friends waiting for additional information while authorities continue their investigation.
For now, police are urging the public to rely on official information rather than unverified claims circulating online.
The identities of the victims are expected to be released after their families have been notified.
Willmar Shooting Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Rau Park, Willmar, Minnesota |
| Area | 1000 block of 7th Street Northwest |
| Nearby landmark | Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds |
| Date | Monday, September 21, 2026 |
| Time | Approximately 8 p.m. |
| Victims | Three young Willmar men |
| Fatalities | Two |
| Critical injuries | One |
| Ages reported | 19, 19 and 20 |
| Public threat | Police say there is no current public threat |
| Nature of incident | Described by police as isolated and not random |
| Arrests | None publicly announced in reports reviewed |
| Investigation | Willmar Police with Minnesota BCA assistance |
No Victim Names Released Yet
Authorities have withheld the names of the three victims while family notifications are completed.
That means reports identifying individuals through social media or unofficial sources should be treated cautiously until police or another authoritative source confirms their identities.
The lack of names does not lessen the impact on the families and community members affected by the shooting.
What Happens Next?
Investigators will continue processing evidence from Rau Park and gathering statements from witnesses.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s involvement indicates that authorities are working to establish a detailed account of the shooting.
Further updates may clarify the identities of the victims, whether a suspect has been identified or arrested, the circumstances leading up to the gunfire and whether investigators have established a motive.
Until those details are officially released, the preliminary information remains subject to change.
Final Update on the Willmar Shooting
The Willmar shooting near the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds left two young men dead and another critically injured Monday night.
Police responded to Rau Park around 8 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. Two victims were transported by ambulance, with one later dying and the other transferred to St. Cloud in critical condition. A third 19-year-old victim was taken to a hospital by private vehicle and also died.
Police say the shooting was isolated and not random and that there is no current threat to the public. The victims’ identities have not yet been publicly released, and no arrests had been announced in the latest reports reviewed.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the deadly gunfire in Willmar.
Disclaimer: This article is based on preliminary information released by authorities and current local reporting. Details, including victim identities, motive, arrests and other circumstances, may change as the investigation develops.