Kashmir McReynolds and Alvin Watkins, Jr., two men involved in the 21 Days of Peace initiative, have been indicted following a shooting incident in North Minneapolis. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced that Watkins faces charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm, while McReynolds is charged with disposing of a firearm to a convicted felon and possessing a firearm while employed for a prohibited person.
“The people of north Minneapolis deserve peace,” stated Thompson. “McReynolds and Watkins were paid taxpayer money to bring peace to the community. Instead, they brought the very violence they claimed to be interrupting. This is outrageous. These defendants will be held to account.”
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis commented on the situation: “Armed violence will not be tolerated in our communities.” He emphasized that such actions endanger lives and create fear, adding that the FBI, along with other law enforcement partners, is committed to holding violent offenders accountable.
Court documents reveal that on March 10, 2025, after completing their shifts for 21 Days of Peace—a Salem Inc.-led initiative funded by the Minnesota Legislature—Watkins and McReynolds fired approximately 43 bullets into a residential area in North Minneapolis. The gunfire reportedly began when an unknown shooter fired at them first; however, no further shots were directed at them afterward.
Despite not seeing anyone fire initially, McReynolds shot back towards where he believed the shots originated from and continued firing as he moved around the block. He also provided Watkins with another weapon despite knowing his prior felony convictions prohibited him from carrying firearms.
Both individuals appeared before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster in U.S. District Court today.
The case results from an investigation conducted by the FBI and Minneapolis Police Department with Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Forbes prosecuting.
It should be noted that an indictment is merely an allegation; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
