A man was shot late this morning at the Station North neighborhood activist hub Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse.
Police said the victim was sitting inside when an acquaintance called him to the doorway. A dispute unfolded and the suspect shot him in the upper body, they said. He’s now listed in critical condition at a local hospital.
Police didn’t identify the alleged shooter, but said they he was wearing a hood, dark clothing and possibly a mask. The department is looking at surveillance footage from the business and is asking bystanders to send them any video or images that can help with their investigation.
Police spokesman Jarron Jackson stressed that the shooting was targeted, not random, and that detectives are exploring whether it may have been gang-related.
Red Emma’s closed for the day as a result. The business said via social media that its event, “Young, Angry, and Black with Valencia Clay & Guests,” has been moved to 7:30 p.m. at the 2640 Space at 2640 St. Paul Street.
This was at least the second violent incident to unfold at the left-wing bookstore and café in the last two months. In early December, someone robbed the business at gunpoint, though no one was hurt.
Red Emma’s management thanked members of the public for their support in a statement posted to Facebook:
Thanks to everyone for the love & support. Our workers are physically safe, but we’re anxiously awaiting more news about our community member who remains in critical condition. Though today’s shooting is a reflection of the extreme moment in which we live, we want to assure everyone that this was a case of interpersonal violence, not a politically-motivated attack. We will remain closed for the rest of today so our workers & community can process, but we plan to reopen tomorrow.
