Minneapolis police are asking the public for information about an early Wednesday shooting that they are investigating as a possible hate crime.

The victims, who were treated for gunshot wounds and released, were on their way to a mosque and clearly dressed in Islamic attire when they were attacked, according to the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

The shooting happened shortly before 2:30 a.m. Wednesday in the area of 14th Avenue Southeast and Sixth Street Southeast, according to a statement Thursday from the Minneapolis Police Department. Officers who responded to a report of shots fired in the area found no one injured and no suspects, but soon learned that two people had arrived at the nearby University of Minnesota Medical Center with gunshot wounds.

“This is being investigated as a bias-motivated crime,” the department said in the statement.

The department did not specify why it is investigating the case as bias-motivated, but the Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota said the victims were Somali and the attacker “allegedly made disparaging remarks about Muslims before opening fire.”

The gunshot victims were part of a group of five men in a car on their way to perform nightly prayers during the holy month of Ramadan, said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. A white man yelled at them from the sidewalk. That’s not an uncommon offense, Hussein said.

“Many people yell out slurs. That’s part of what’s been happening over time,” he said. “That this incident escalated to the point where somebody would shoot at these people, they were really shocked.”

Hussein said he has been in communication with all of the victims and they say they did nothing to provoke violence. They say the man approached the car, showed a gun and, when they drove off, he shot at them.

Two of them were struck in the leg, Hussein said. One is recuperating at home and the other returned to the hospital for surgery on Thursday.

Hussein said he hears of increased harassment anytime a terrorist attack makes the news. Local imams reported many Muslims stayed away from their mosques after the Orlando, Fla., nightclub attack out of fear of reprisals.

“This is the unfortunate incident we hoped not to see but knew could happen due to the current climate of Islamophobia fueled by presidential hopefuls and others,” Hussein said.

The University of Minnesota issued a statement Friday condemning anti-Muslim actions and rhetoric.

“The violence earlier this week is deeply troubling and runs counter to the University’s foundational values of inclusion, tolerance, and respect,” Vice President for Equity and Diversity Katrice Albert said in the statement. “That this senseless act occurred in a neighborhood adjacent to the University where many of our students live only strengthens our resolve and commitment to these values.”

Investigators have gathered evidence from the scene of the shooting and have spoken to several people but are hoping to hear from others who may know something.

Anyone with information is encouraged to text tips to 847411; enter MPD, a space and then the information. All such texts are anonymous. People also can call CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or call the police tipline at 612-692-8477.