University of Minnesota students are speaking out about safety in the neighborhood regarding a Nov. 1 Dinkytown shooting that left one dead and two others injured. 

Police found two men at the scene and located a third shortly after, all of whom were shot, according to CBS News.

Police have not announced any arrests or suspects in connection with the shooting.

Ean Nemeth, a student who lives where the shooting occurred, said the incident was another reminder of how unsafe Dinkytown can feel at night.

“I never really felt too safe, but you’ve got options,” Nemeth said. “Rent is cheap, cheaper than other places, so people stay.”

Nemeth said he was home during the shooting.

“I was asleep,” Nemeth said. “What’s crazy is there are always cops around here, so I don’t even know how something like that could happen.”

Andrew Chen, a student who lives in Doyle Apartments, said the Halloween night shooting was confusing and kind of scary.

“I live right next to where the shooting happened,” Chen said. “When I was walking around earlier, it just seemed like a normal night, people partying, music everywhere. But about 30 minutes after I got back into my apartment, I heard gunshots.”

Chen said he was not immediately sure what he heard until police sirens filled the area and people started running away. 

“It was pretty clear it was gunshots once I heard the sirens and saw everyone running in the opposite direction,” Chen said. “In the moment, it was scary.”

Chen said he has noticed a stronger police presence in Dinkytown since the shooting. 

“Now, when I walk around, there’s a police car every other block,” Chen said. “It seems like they’re really trying to make sure everyone is safe.”

Chen said safety has improved for now, but believes the city should continue to keep police patrols active. 

“They need to keep police in Dinkytown,” Chen said. “That’s the main solution right now.”

The Minneapolis Police Department and University police partnered in 2023 to increase patrolling in Dinkytown and Marcy Holmes neighborhoods. 

Second-year student Anise Bosu, who lives in a Dinkytown apartment near where the shooting occurred, said she heard the gunshots from her apartment.

“I was home, and I heard it and it was really loud,” Bosu said. “At first, I thought it was construction or maybe a garbage truck or something, but then I heard all the sirens and saw people running.”

Bosu said she could see the aftermath from her window. 

“I saw the ambulances and people coming out of the bars,” Bosu said. “That’s when I realized how serious it was.”

Bosu said she does not feel entirely safe living in Dinkytown, but moving is not currently an option for her. 

“I’d say I don’t necessarily feel safe,” Bosu said. “It’s just unfortunate how unsafe Dinkytown is becoming. This is supposed to be a student community, and now we’re on the news all the time for stuff like this.”

Nemeth said this is not the first violent incident he has heard of near campus.

“Last year somebody got shot over by the safety center,” Nemeth said. “And earlier this year, someone shot a firework into one of the buildings. It’s definitely a volatile place.”

The off-campus safety center opened in 2024 at the former Kitty Kat Klub building on 14th Avenue. The center offers self-defense classes and opportunities for students to connect with UMPD officers. 

Chen said he plans to move out of Dinkytown next year, partly because of safety concerns. 

“I definitely want to move out,” Chen said. “It’s too loud in Dinkytown, and I’d rather live somewhere quieter and safer.”