Minnesota: Two Muslim individuals charged with possession of machine guns related to shootings at a high school graduation event

Image: Jihad Watch

St. Paul, Minn. – Hamza Abdirashiid Said, 20, and Amiir Mawlid Ali, 18, have been federally charged with illegal possession of machine guns, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced.

According to court records, on the evening of May 30, 2025, around 8:00 p.m., officers from the University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) responded to reports of a shooting at Mariucci Arena on the university campus. At the time, the arena was hosting the Wayzata High School graduation ceremony, with many attendees and pedestrians gathered outside. Upon arrival, officers encountered a chaotic scene where two individuals, both attendees of the ceremony, had sustained gunshot injuries. 

Following witness interviews and review of surveillance footage, law enforcement identified and apprehended the shooter, Hamza Said. Authorities recovered a Glock 9mm semiautomatic pistol fitted with a high-capacity extended magazine and a machine gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “switch.” These devices enable semi-automatic firearms to fire automatically, effectively turning them into illegal machine guns. Said now faces federal charges for unlawful possession of a machine gun.

Further investigation revealed additional concerning activity. On June 3, 2025, at approximately 3:44 p.m., Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) officers observed a vehicle running a stop sign and accelerating aggressively through an intersection. The vehicle’s windows were heavily tinted, preventing officers from seeing inside. Upon initiating a traffic stop, three occupants were identified. One passenger, Amiir Mawlid Ali, was recognized by officers from prior investigations linking him to several recent gang-related shootings and known firearm possession. 

The group claimed they were en route to the Edina High School graduation ceremony at the University of Minnesota—raising alarms as the site had just experienced a shooting at a similar event days earlier. Officers discovered a Glock 10mm semi automatic pistol beneath Ali’s seat, equipped with a loaded 33-round extended magazine and another machine gun conversion device. Ali was later arrested in connection with a shooting at the Burnsville High School graduation on June 6, 2025. Recorded jail phone calls reveal Ali discussing his need for a “button,” slang for a machine gun conversion device. He now faces federal charges for unlawful possession of a machine gun.

“High school graduations are moments of joy and celebration, marking important milestones in young people’s lives,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Introducing machineguns and violence into such sacred events is deeply immoral and reprehensible. On behalf of all Minnesotans, I express profound outrage at these acts and assure the public that justice will be pursued vigorously. Those who threaten the safety of our communities will be held fully accountable under the law.”

Illegal possession of machine guns poses a grave threat to public safety. Such conversion devices allow firearms to fire multiple rounds rapidly, greatly increasing the potential for mass casualties and escalating violence. The use or possession of these devices is strictly prohibited under federal law, reflecting the government’s commitment to reducing gun violence and protecting innocent civilians—especially at community gatherings like graduation ceremonies, which should remain safe spaces free from fear.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)