Five young women are dead after their vehicle was hit by a driver who ran a red light Friday night in Minneapolis.
A fundraiser launched by community members identified the victims as Sabiriin Ali, 17, Sahra Gesaade, 20, Salma Abdikadir, 20, Sagal Hersi, 19, and Siham Adan, 19.
“We find ourselves in deep sorrow today, for our community experienced a heartbreaking tragedy last night. We have lost five of our bright, young sisters in a severe car accident,” the Dar Al Farooq Center said in the fundraiser. “These young Muslim sisters were shining stars of hope for our future.”
Police have not identified the suspect, but sources told Alpha News that he is Derrick John Thompson, the son of former Democratic state Rep. John Thompson.
Sources confirm the suspect in the crash last night that killed five is Derek Thompson. The son of former state rep John Thompson. https://t.co/lsLwumsBsu
— Liz Collin (@lizcollin) June 18, 2023
According to police, a Minnesota state trooper positioned on I-35 north near 46th Street observed a speeding vehicle around 10:12 p.m. The vehicle immediately exited the highway before a traffic stop could be initiated. The vehicle then ran a red light at the intersection of Lake Street and Second Avenue, crashing into a car occupied by the five women, who were all pronounced dead at the scene.
A vehicle fled from State Patrol and crashed at Lake St and 35W.
Reportedly at least one DOA.
22:14 pic.twitter.com/b8ZoAXcP9I— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) June 17, 2023
The suspect exited the vehicle and fled from the scene but was later taken into custody. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center for medical evaluation.
— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) June 17, 2023
Alpha News obtained video showing the moment of impact.
WARNING: Disturbing video shows moment of impact from reckless driver speeding & running a red light before killing five people and fleeing the scene. Sources have identified the driver as Derrick John Thompson, the son of former DFL state Rep. John Thompson. pic.twitter.com/JVvNDwuaOV
— Liz Collin (@lizcollin) June 18, 2023
According to media reports, Derrick Thompson was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2020 for a 2018 crash in California that left a woman in a coma. He was fleeing police when he hit a pedestrian and then fled on foot, the reports say.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
