A Minnesota man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for fatally shooting a coworker during a confrontation outside an Amazon fulfillment center in Lakeville.
Mohamed A. Hared, 26, received a 128-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree unintentional murder while committing a felony. The case stems from the June 29, 2024, shooting death of 22-year-old Ahmed Ibrahim Cariif.
The shooting happened in the parking lot of the Lakeville Amazon facility, where Hared, Cariif, and another coworker had arrived together for an overnight shift.
According to court records, the conflict began after Hared discovered that a flashlight attachment was missing from a handgun he had left inside the vehicle used for the carpool. Hared accused the two coworkers of taking the accessory, but both denied doing so.
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The disagreement continued during later work breaks. At one point, a coworker suggested involving security to help resolve the situation. Prosecutors said Hared instead continued pressing the accusation and told the men that no one was going home that day.
Investigators said the confrontation escalated into a physical fight. During the dispute, Hared pulled out a handgun. A witness told police that Cariif tried to grab the weapon after it was drawn.
Authorities said the first shot struck a nearby vehicle. After that shot, Cariif and the witness reportedly told Hared not to shoot. A second shot struck Cariif in the chest.
Emergency responders were called, but Cariif died from his injuries.
Prosecutors said surveillance video showed Hared had opportunities to leave or de-escalate the situation before the fatal shot was fired. He was initially charged with second-degree intentional murder before later pleading guilty to the lesser count of second-degree unintentional murder while committing a felony.
Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena previously described the killing as senseless and said deadly gun violence has no place in workplaces or communities.
The sentence handed down in Dakota County District Court gives Hared credit for 700 days already served. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
The case has drawn attention because the dispute began over a minor item but ended in a fatal shooting. It also highlights the risks that arise when firearms are brought into workplace-adjacent settings, even if the weapon is kept outside the building.
Workplace violence cases often leave lasting effects beyond the victim’s family. Coworkers, witnesses, employers, and surrounding communities can also be deeply affected, especially when a routine shift turns into a deadly confrontation.
For Lakeville and the broader Minnesota community, the sentencing closes one part of the criminal case, but the impact of Cariif’s death remains.
Why It Matters
The case matters because it shows how quickly a workplace dispute can become deadly when a firearm is involved.
What began as an argument over a missing gun accessory escalated into a fatal shooting outside a major workplace. Prosecutors said Hared had chances to walk away, but the confrontation continued until Cariif was shot.
The case also raises broader concerns about workplace safety, conflict de-escalation, and firearms near job sites. Employers and law enforcement agencies may face renewed pressure to ensure that disputes do not turn violent, especially in large facilities where workers arrive and leave during overnight hours.
What Comes Next
Hared will remain in custody and is expected to be transferred to the Minnesota Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.
The case may also prompt continued discussion about workplace security policies, employee conflict reporting, and how employers respond when disputes involve weapons or threats.
For Cariif’s family and coworkers, the sentence marks a legal conclusion, but not an end to the loss caused by the shooting.
