President Trump received a briefing following a fatal shooting in Minneapolis, where a Border Patrol agent discharged their weapon, resulting in the death of an armed individual. The incident occurred at the intersection of East 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue on Saturday, immediately sparking a fierce backlash from local and state leaders.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reacted with outrage, demanding the immediate withdrawal of federal immigration enforcement officials from the city. He described witnessing video footage of multiple masked agents engaging with the deceased, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident and U.S. citizen, before the shooting took place.
During a press conference, Mayor Frey passionately questioned how many more lives must be risked before the operation ceases. He accused the administration of prioritizing a political agenda over fundamental American values, and argued that the federal presence was actively undermining peace and safety within the city.
Frey expressed frustration with repeated calls for de-escalation, stating that the federal actions were instead fueling unrest and “vitriol” among community members. He implored President Trump to prioritize the well-being of Minneapolis and the nation by ending the operation and allowing the city to heal.
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement detailing the events leading up to the shooting. According to DHS, officers attempted to disarm the suspect, who was carrying a firearm and two magazines, but he “violently resisted.”
An agent, fearing for their life and the safety of fellow officers, fired defensive shots. Despite immediate medical attention, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials suggested the suspect may have intended to inflict mass casualties, noting he lacked identification.
The outcry wasn’t limited to Minneapolis. Democratic governors across the country swiftly condemned the administration’s actions and called for the removal of federal agents. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker demanded an end to what he termed “Trump’s ICE,” calling for a halt to funding, occupations, and killings.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the immigration officers “untrained” and demanded their immediate removal from the state, describing the situation as “sickening.” He directly appealed to the President to end the operation and pull the agents out of Minnesota.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul echoed these sentiments, stating the federal operation had “spun out of control” and that President Trump was responsible for halting the “lawless conduct.” The incident has ignited a national debate about the role and tactics of federal law enforcement within American cities.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing reactions and investigations expected to unfold in the coming days. The shooting has deepened existing tensions and raised serious questions about the balance between federal authority and local control.