Baby Burned After Eagan Man Threw Firework In Crowded Theater: Police

EAGAN, MN — An 18-year-old Eagan man is accused of lighting a firework and throwing it into a crowded movie theater, injuring two people, including an 11-month-old baby.

Khalid B. Hassan has been charged with one count of threats of violence, two counts of criminal damage to property, and two counts of assault. He is being held in Dakota County Jail on a $50,000 bail without conditions, or $25,000 with conditions.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 16.

If convicted, Hassan faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

On July 12 just before 8:30 p.m., Eagan police officers responded to Emagine Theater after an aerial firework had been lit and thrown into one of the theaters during the screening of a movie, according to authorities.

"The purposeful act of setting off a firework inside a movie theater which caused physical injury and led patrons to believe there was an active shooter in their midst is a reprehensible act, made more so by the recent spate of mass killings across the United States," Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena said in a statement.

"I wish to extend my best wishes for a speedy and full recovery to those injured physically or mentally by this senseless act."

Keena added that "The investigation is ongoing and charges may be filed against the other individuals involved in this incident."

About 40 people were in the theater when the firework exploded, police said. At least two people were injured, including an 11-month-old baby who sustained burns on her cheeks and nose, according to investigators.

A woman suffered multiple cuts on her leg and was sent to a wound clinic for the removal of debris and infected tissue from the wounds.

Both victims were sitting in the handicap row in the theater, according to the criminal complaint.

Several people thought they were going to be killed when the firework initially went off because they thought it was gunfire, the criminal complaint states. Several movie patrons ran out of the theater in a panic, police said.

There were burn marks on the theater carpet and the movie screen was damaged, investigators said. The estimated damage exceeds $1,000, according to authorities.

Surveillance from the theater — and footage recorded and posted on social media by the suspects — show four young males entering the theater before the firework was ignited, police said.

A man — later identified as Hassan — was seen walking down the aisle, lighting the firework, and then throwing it into the area directly in front of the handicap row, according to the criminal complaint. The firework exploded moments later, police said.

Three suspects fled on foot while the fourth stayed in the theater and filmed the aftermath, according to the criminal complaint.

Hassan admitted to lighting the firework and throwing it into the movie theater, police said.