St. Paul Parks and Recreation working to end accused rec center shooter’s city employment

Following this past week’s shooting, the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department has closed public buildings and placed all activities on hold at the Oxford Community Center, Jimmy Lee Recreation Center and Great River Water Park.

Sunday, the department released a public statement about the steps it’s taking regarding the accused shooter, 26-year-old Exavir Binford Jr., who is still employed with the City of St. Paul:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,   

We are deeply saddened by the shooting incident that took place earlier this week outside Oxford Community Center, which resulted in the hospitalization of a teenager. Our hearts break for this young person and their family, as well as our staff and entire community, who are now feeling the impacts of this senseless violence.

As has been widely reported in the media, the individual that was arrested following the shooting worked at Oxford Community Center. On Friday, they were charged in Ramsey County District Court. We are taking steps to end the individual’s employment with the City.

We are committed to providing safe facilities and positive experiences, and we are devastated that something completely counter to our mission occurred at one of our spaces. We are dedicated to supporting all who are impacted by this tragedy and are taking the necessary steps to ensure something like this never occurs again.

Mugshot of Exavir Binford Jr. Credit: Ramsey County Sheriff's Office

To allow our staff and community members time to process this traumatic event, Oxford Community Center will remain closed until further notice. Updates will be shared on our website at www.stpaul.gov/oxfordcc.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We look forward to welcoming you back into Oxford Community Center soon.    

Andy Rodriguez, director of St. Paul Parks and Recreation

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