Feds Charge Two Linked to Graduation Ceremony Shootings
Two men are now facing federal charges after authorities say they were found with machine gun conversion devices—also known as “switches.”
The incidents happened separately but were both linked to Twin Cities high school graduation ceremonies.
Hamza Abdirashiid Said, 20, and Amiir Mawlid Ali, 18, were each charged this week in U.S. District Court with unlawful possession of a machinegun. Both remain in federal custody following their initial appearances on Tuesday.
According to the charging documents, University of Minnesota police responded around 8 p.m. on May 30 to a shooting outside Mariucci Arena during Wayzata High School’s graduation ceremony. Officers arrived to find two people with gunshot wounds and a large, chaotic crowd outside the venue. After reviewing surveillance video and interviewing witnesses, police arrested Said and recovered a Glock 9mm pistol outfitted with a high-capacity magazine and a conversion switch that allowed it to fire fully automatic.
PREVIOUSLY: Man Charged After 2 Shot Outside Graduation at Mariucci Arena
Less than a week later, on June 3, Minneapolis police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near the University of Minnesota. Officers noted its heavily tinted windows and learned the occupants were headed to Edina High School’s graduation ceremony—held at the same arena where the previous shooting occurred. Police identified front-seat passenger Amiir Ali as someone known to be involved in gang activity and gun violence. A search turned up a Glock 10mm pistol with a 33-round extended magazine and a switch beneath his seat.
Ali was later arrested by officers responding to a shooting outside the Burnsville High School graduation on June 6. According to federal prosecutors, Ali was recorded on jail phone calls saying he would need a “button”—slang for a switch—when he got out.
PREVIOUSLY: Teens Charged in Shooting Outside Burnsville High School Graduation
Both defendants are being held pending detention hearings. Both face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
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