8-year-old dies shielding mother in domestic dispute in Minnesota

In Burnsville, Minnesota, 8-year-old Amir Harden tragically died while trying to protect his mother during a domestic conflict. According to ABC5, authorities report that the incident involved Amir's father, Danair Harden, who had recently been released from jail on domestic assault charges.

The tragic event took place just before midnight on Wednesday. Amir was shot in the head and neck and later passed away at a hospital in Hennepin County. The county medical examiner confirmed that Amir succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

Four other young children were present during the shooting. Police reports indicate that Amir was not the intended target. Instead, the gunfire happened during a dispute between his parents, with Amir stepping in to shield his mother.

Posting on a GoFundMe page, Amir’s mother, Cherish Edwards, recounted the moments leading to the tragedy. She claimed that Amir attempted to wrestle the gun from his father's hands as Harden tried to shoot her. Despite his mother's desperate pleas, Amir reportedly refused to leave her side. Edwards recalls her son saying, 'Mommy, I'm not leaving you here,' as he stayed by her side.

CBS News and the Star tribune reported that Danair Harden, 30, is the suspect and is currently in critical condition at the hospital. Authorities are considering pressing criminal charges against him if he survives. The confrontation happened just days after Danair had been released from jail following charges of domestic assault on May 30.

Amir is being remembered by his family as a courageous and protective child. His mother described him as a leader among his siblings and her biggest supporter. "He was my biggest cheerleader. Every day I go to work, he'd say, ‘Have a good day, Mommy. I love you,’" she shared.

The devastating event has left the family reeling. Edwards expressed her sorrow to the outlet saying, "We're finally free of [Danair], but my child paid the ultimate sacrifice. My children, all of them, I feel so bad for them. They are traumatized. It's going to take years, if it ever goes away."

This tragic situation highlights the grave dangers of domestic violence. If you're experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for help. The hotline offers confidential support 24/7 in over 170 languages.