Two Dead, One Critically Injured in Shooting at Willmar Park
Published: September 22nd, 2026.
WILLMAR MN— Two young men are dead and another is in critical condition following a shooting near a Willmar park, according to the Willmar Police Department.
Police were dispatched to the area of Rau Park, located in the 1000 block of 7th Street NW, after receiving a report of gunshots and information that two or three people may have been injured.
When officers and emergency medical personnel arrived, they began providing lifesaving measures to two men, ages 19 and 20, both from Willmar.
The two were transported by ambulance to Carris Hospital, where one was pronounced dead. The other was later flown by helicopter to St. Cloud Hospital and was listed in critical condition, according to police.
A third victim, a 19-year-old Willmar man, was taken to Carris Hospital in a personal vehicle. Police said he was also pronounced dead at the hospital.
Officers secured the scene and began interviewing witnesses as part of the investigation. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension crime lab was called to assist and was processing the scene at the time of the police department's release.
Police said they believe the shooting was an isolated incident and not a random act of violence. Authorities said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
The names of those involved have not been released pending notification of their families.
Police described the investigation as active and "very fluid" and said additional information will be released as more facts become available.
The Willmar Police Department is being assisted by the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office, Carris Ambulance Service and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.