Man Found Guilty Of Shooting Somali-American Men On Their Way To Pray

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Hennepin County jury found a man guilty Thursday of shooting and wounding a group of men dressed in traditional robes on their way to Ramadan prayers.

Anthony Sawina, 26, was found guilty on nine felony counts, including attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.

The shooting took place near the University of Minnesota campus on June 29. Five Somali-American men had been playing basketball before going to prayers.

Court records say Sawina and a friend confronted the group, yelling derrogatory comments at the Muslim men. Then Sawina used a 38-pistol to shoot through the windshield and passenger door at the men. Two of the five were wounded.

Sawina will be sentenced June 12.