Minneapolis Man Found Incompetent to Stand Trial Despite Conflicting Expert Evaluations

3/5/25

Minneapolis, Minn. – The legal case of Muhyedin Abdirahman, 26, has taken a turn after the court ruled him incompetent to stand trial, despite two forensic psychologists determining that he was fit to proceed. 

Abdirahman, who was facing multiple felony charges, including attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault against a police officer, is now the subject of a state petition for hospitalization.

According to Hennepin County District Court documents, around midnight on October 24, 2023, Minneapolis Park Police Officer Zabinski encountered Abdirahman near a boat launch at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. 

The officer, while patrolling the area, noticed a vehicle parked in a restricted zone and approached Abdirahman to inquire about it.

Abdirahman refused to identify himself, stating the vehicle was "none of your business." 

When the officer attempted to detain him, Abdirahman pulled away, reached for his waistband, and drew a handgun, according to court records. He then fired multiple shots at the officer, who returned fire. 

Neither party was injured.

Responding officers later found Abdirahman sitting on a nearby park bench, where he admitted involvement in the incident. Investigators recovered a Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun, registered to Abdirahman, hidden under a pile of leaves near his arrest location. Six shell casings at the scene matched his firearm.

Abdirahman faced charges of attempted second-degree murder for intentionally but not premeditatedly using a firearm, first-degree assault for using deadly force against a law enforcement officer, and possession of a firearm in a public place.

If convicted, he could have faced up to 40 years in prison for attempted murder and an additional 20 years for first-degree assault. 

Paul Scggin, a Hennepin County judge, initially set his bail at $1 million with no conditions.

Competency evaluations

Frustrated by limited access to discovery materials and information, Abdirahman sought to replace his public defender in March 2024, a request denied by Scoggin.

Two months later, forensic psychologist Dr. Mary Larsen conducted a court-ordered evaluation and concluded that Abdirahman did not exhibit signs of mental illness that would impair his ability to understand legal proceedings or assist in his defense. 

She affirmed he was competent to stand trial. 

However, she also described him as "condescending, entitled, disdainful, arrogant, haughty, glib, argumentative, quick and interpersonally exploitative with his words, and [he] engages in a form of gaslighting by playing the victim."

The state raised additional concerns and requested a second competency evaluation in September 2024, conducted by Dr. Kristin Johnson. 

Abdirahman still refused to participate in the evaluation, and Johnson, while unable to render a definitive opinion, suggested that his refusal to cooperate could indicate underlying mental issues. 

However, she did not diagnose him with any mental illness and admitted to having limited experience with self-represented defendants.

On November 22, 2024, a contested competency hearing was held. Larsen reaffirmed her opinion that Abdirahman was competent, and Johnson acknowledged she lacked sufficient interaction with him to determine otherwise. 

Johnson did find that there was evidence of early symptoms of psychosis in Mr. Abdirahman. 

According to court documents, “Dr. Johnson said that Mr. Abdirahman was willing to act on his beliefs in a manner that seems more compelled than strategic.”

Abdirahman had actively participated in his legal defense, filing motions and cross-examining witnesses.

Despite the expert opinions suggesting competence, Judge Joel Olson issued an Order for Commitment on February 24, 2025, ruling that Abdirahman should be placed under court-mandated psychiatric care.

The state has now moved to admit Abdirahman to the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter, Minnesota. 

This suspends all legal proceedings against him. Unless a future competency determination reverses the court’s decision, Abdirahman may remain under state care indefinitely.

For now, Abdirahman remains in custody under judicial commitment and out of public record, with the future of his case uncertain.