1 teen suspect in shooting outside Richfield football game released

Josh Skluzacek KSTP

People run toward the exit of the Richfield High School football stadium Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, after apparent gunshots were heard during a football game between Richfield and Kennedy. (Richfield High School via YouTube)

One of the two teenage suspects arrested by police in connection to Friday’s shooting outside a football game in Richfield has been released.

According to Richfield Police, officers on Saturday night arrested a 15-year-old Richfield High School student who they believed to be the shooter. Earlier that day, they arrested a 16-year-old former student on suspicion of instigating the fight that led to the gunshots.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office confirmed Tuesday the 16-year-old has been released from custody. However, the 15-year-old is still being held.

No formal charges have been filed at this time, as prosecutors got a 24-hour extension to hold the 15-year-old.

As previously reported, after Friday’s shooting, the district received online threats on Monday, leading several schools to close for the day. They’ve since reopened.

Both incidents remain under investigation.

Richfield Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez also released a statement Tuesday, thanking the police and school staff while noting work is underway to ensure students feel safe. Her full statement can be read below.

“Over the past few days our community has been experiencing a range of emotions, from heartbreak and overwhelm to fear and confusion. But into that fear and confusion we have also received an outpouring of love and support for our families and students. I want to offer my sincerest thanks to the staff at Richfield Public Schools and the Richfield Police Department for their tireless efforts over the past five days. In addition, a huge amount of gratitude goes out to all of the organizations, community members and young people who have shown up to express their love for this community.
“We have already begun conversations about how we, as a community, can come together to show our pride and support for the families and young people of Richfield. There is movement underway, both in the short-term and long-term, to work together to find tangible ways to ensure that our families and students feel safe and supported in their schools and in their city.”
Richfield Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez