Overview

• A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Watkins with being a felon in possession of a firearm and McReynolds with unlawful transfer and possession of a weapon.
• According to court documents, on March 10 the two men fired about 43 rounds into a North Minneapolis neighborhood after someone fired roughly 30 shots in their direction following a community barbecue.
• Watkins is barred from possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions while McReynolds held a carry permit but lacked a license to serve as an armed security guard.
• 21 Days of Peace, an initiative of Salem Inc. funded by the Minnesota Legislature and city contracts at about $1.5 million annually, has had its violence prevention contract pulled for review.
• Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson and the FBI emphasize that violence interrupters paid with taxpayer funds must be accountable, and the case will proceed in U.S. District Court.