MINNEAPOLIS – In a brazen display of violence, Alvin Anthony Watkins, Jr., 50, of Saint Anthony, Minnesota, and Kashmir Khaliffa McReynolds, 35, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, were indicted for their roles in a North Minneapolis shooting that left a trail of destruction and fear in its wake.
According to court documents, on the night of Monday, March 10, 2025, after finishing their shifts for 21 Days of Peace, an initiative of Salem Inc., which is a non-profit organization funded by the Minnesota Legislature to engage in “social equity building and community engagement services,” Watkins and McReynolds recklessly fired approximately 43 bullets into the dark, in a residential neighborhood in North Minneapolis.
The indictment charges Watkins with felon in possession of a firearm and McReynolds with disposing of a firearm to a convicted felon and possession of firearm while employed for a prohibited person, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
“The people of north Minneapolis deserve peace,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. 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.”
Watkins and McReynolds made their initial appearance in U.S. District Court today, before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Minneapolis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
According to court documents, gunshots were fired at McReynolds and Watkins by an unknown shooter. After this initial hail of gunfire from the unknown shooter, no additional gunfire was fired at McReynolds and Watkins. Although McReynolds did not see a person fire the gunshots, he fired numerous rounds in the general direction from which he thought the gunshots had originated, then ran to the other side of the block and continued shooting. He also supplied Watkins with another gun, which Watkins fired a number of times.
McReynolds knew Watkins was prohibited from carrying and possessing firearms due to his prior felony convictions. In total, McReynolds and Watkins fired approximately 43 rounds of ammunition.
“Armed violence will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “The reckless and deliberate use of firearms endangers lives and fuels fear in our communities. The FBI, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Minnesota and our law enforcement partners, is fully committed to identifying, investigating, and holding accountable violent offenders who believe they can operate above the law.”
Watkins and McReynolds will face the music for their roles in this senseless act of violence. Only time will tell what their fate will be, but one thing is certain, they will not be allowed to walk free.
Defendant Information:
Respondent: Alvin Anthony Watkins, Jr. and Kashmir Khaliffa McReynolds
Criminal Charges: Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Disposing of a Firearm to a Convicted Felon, Possession of Firearm while Employed for a Prohibited Person
City and State: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Exact Date: March 10, 2025
Sentence or Outcome: Currently pending
Dollar Amounts: None
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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