Police sources: Officers denied access to evidence after shooting near George Floyd Memorial

Police say a man and a woman shot Sunday night near the George Floyd memorial in south Minneapolis are expected to recover.

But 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has confirmed responding officers reported being denied access to the scene.

According to Minneapolis Police Department spokesman John Elder, the shooting happened near the intersection of East 38th Street and South Chicago Avenue. Streets leading to the area have been blocked by protestors for months.

A source within the Minneapolis Police Department confirmed that people near the scene had already picked up evidence before police arrived and refused to hand it over.

However, several community members say that’s not what happened.

Along with a video shared on Instagram, community organizer Marcia Howard wrote "About last night: we escorted police into the Square to try to collect (shell) casings."

Another community member also disputed officers’ reports that people inside the so-called "autonomous zone" interfered with the police investigation.

"Any assertion that anyone near George Floyd Square was trying to cover up a crime or anything that happened last night leading up to the shooting is categorically false," said Andy Hartin.

One male victim and one female victim, both adults, were taken to the hospital via private transport to be treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, Elder said.

No suspects have been taken into custody.

A spokesperson for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued the following statement Monday afternoon:

“No neighborhood should be forced to tolerate gun violence and last night’s events compromised the safety of the neighborhood, which is simply unacceptable. Mayor Frey’s position has remained consistent: the city should work with community toward a phased re-opening of 38th and Chicago while prioritizing both safety and memorialization of George Floyd’s life in this space. Residents and businesses deserve full city service. We will continue working with Council Members and community toward these goals.”