Judge grants TRO barring encampments on Sabri Minneapolis properties
A Hennepin County judge on Tuesday granted a temporary restraining order barring homeless encampments on any Minneapolis properties owned by Hamoudi Sabri, a move the city said was prompted by public-safety concerns after a Sept. 16 mass shooting near 28th Ave. S. and E. Lake St. that injured seven people. Sabri says he may pursue legal action and is attempting to convert the cleared lot into a "hygiene and outreach hub" without permits, while the city — which sought a 90‑day restriction and may seek reimbursement of about $50,000 for cleanup — warned it will enforce the TRO and issue citations for unpermitted uses.
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📌 Key Facts
- A Sept. 16 mass shooting near 28th Ave. S. and E. Lake St. injured seven people (four critically), which city officials linked to a narcotics dispute and cited as a public-safety rationale for action at the nearby homeless encampment.
- City crews cleared the encampment hours after the shooting; Minneapolis Police Department heightened patrols and the city erected fencing around the Lake Street area as immediate safety measures.
- The City of Minneapolis sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) to bar encampments on properties owned by Hamoudi Sabri; negotiations collapsed over the duration (city sought up to 90 days, Sabri offered 30) and a Hennepin County judge ultimately granted the TRO prohibiting encampments on Sabri-owned properties.
- While the case proceeded the judge ordered Sabri to keep the site clean; Sabri had at one point agreed not to reopen the encampment or establish another until the matter was resolved, but talks later broke down and the dispute returned to the court.
- The city estimates the cleanup cost about $50,000 and plans to ask the court to require Sabri to reimburse that amount.
- Mayor Jacob Frey called the TRO 'the right call,' said the encampment remains under police control until the order is in place, and signaled continued litigation with Sabri ('We’ll see you in court').
- Sabri said he is weighing next legal steps, criticized the city’s management of homelessness funds, alleged city workers discarded a woman’s daughter’s ashes during the cleanup, and announced plans to convert the former encampment lot into a 'temporary hygiene and outreach hub' to connect unhoused residents with services and case managers.
- The City says Sabri has not obtained required permits or land‑use approvals for the proposed hub, warned it will issue citations/fines and pursue swift court action if the TRO is violated, and the lot is currently blocked by temporary orange construction fencing.
📰 Sources (7)
Former Minneapolis encampment site being turned into 'hygiene and outreach hub' by owner
New information:
- Owner Hamoudi Sabri says he is converting the former encampment lot at E. Lake St. and 28th Ave. S. into a 'temporary hygiene and outreach hub' to connect unhoused residents with services and case managers.
- The City of Minneapolis states Sabri has not obtained required permits or land-use approvals and warns it will issue citations/fines for unpermitted use and pursue swift court action if the TRO is violated.
- The lot is currently blocked by temporary orange construction fencing; FOX 9 attributes details to a Sabri news release and city statement.
Judge grants temporary restraining order against Sabri homeless encampments
New information:
- A judge granted a temporary restraining order on Tuesday barring homeless encampments on any Minneapolis properties owned by Hamoudi Sabri.
- Mayor Jacob Frey issued a statement calling the TRO 'the right call' and saying it enables the city to close encampments once services and shelter are offered.
- Hamoudi Sabri responded that he is weighing next legal steps and criticized the city for alleged mismanagement of homelessness funds.
- Negotiations stalled over the duration of restrictions: the city sought 90 days while Sabri proposed 30.
- The ruling follows a Sept. 16 mass shooting near 28th Ave S. and E. Lake St. that injured seven, reinforcing the city’s public-safety rationale.
Minneapolis homeless encampment negotiations break up
New information:
- Negotiations between Minneapolis and property owner Hamoudi Sabri collapsed on Monday.
- Dispute centered on timeline: the city sought up to 90 days (into December); Sabri would agree to only 30 days.
- Judge has ordered Sabri to keep the site clean pending a ruling; the lot is currently cleared.
- With talks ended, the case is back in the judge’s hands and a ruling could come at any time.
Judge holds off on issuing order in Minneapolis encampment case
New information:
- A Hennepin County judge postponed deciding on the City of Minneapolis’ temporary restraining order request until Monday.
- Property owner Hamoudi Sabri agreed not to reopen the encampment or establish another until the matter is resolved; the judge instructed both sides to seek an agreement.
- Senior Assistant City Attorney Sharda Enslin described the situation as 'dire' and argued a court order is needed to prevent repeated re-formation of the encampment.
- The city estimates Tuesday’s cleanup cost about $50,000 and plans to ask the court to require Sabri to reimburse that amount.
- Sabri alleged city workers discarded a woman’s daughter’s ashes during the cleanup and criticized the lack of a plan for displaced people.
- Context noted that a Monday night shooting at the encampment injured seven people, four critically, which police linked to a narcotics dispute.
Minneapolis ramps up police presence, erects fences following 2 mass shootings along Lake Street
New information:
- The city has placed fencing around the Lake Street area tied to the encampment site as part of its safety response.
- MPD has heightened patrols in and around the encampment area following the mass shooting there.
- Indicates active, on-the-ground control measures while the lawsuit and TRO process proceed.
Mass shooting at Minneapolis homeless encampment injures 7 people
New information:
- A court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17 on a temporary restraining order related to the encampment.
- Mayor Frey said the encampment remains under police control until a TRO can be granted.
- City crews began clearing the encampment hours after the shooting.
- Frey’s on-record stance: “We’ll see you in court,” signaling continued litigation with owner Hamoudi Sabri.