The White House forcefully responded to what it characterized as a glaring double standard in media coverage, highlighting a stark contrast in the attention given to two separate deaths. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt directly challenged the narrative surrounding the shooting of Alex Pretti, a man who allegedly brandished a weapon during an encounter with federal agents in Minneapolis.
The incident unfolded as agents were attempting to arrest Jose Huerta Chuma, an individual with a history of assault and driving offenses. According to Border Commander Greg Bovino, Pretti was actively attempting to escalate the situation, possessing a loaded handgun and additional ammunition, when he was fatally shot. The details suggest a dangerous confrontation, yet the response has been markedly different than in other cases.
Some media outlets, including CNN, have presented a sympathetic portrayal of Pretti, claiming he was simply documenting the ICE operation with his phone when confronted by law enforcement. This framing, according to Bovino, unfairly “blames the victim” and obscures the potential threat he posed. The narrative has quickly become a focal point for critics of potential policies in a future administration.
Leavitt drew a direct parallel to the death of Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran shot by a Capitol Police officer during the January 6th unrest. Babbitt was unarmed and posed no immediate threat, yet received minimal sympathy from many in the media. This disparity, Leavitt argued, reveals a clear pattern of selective outrage.
“There has no doubt been selective outrage by the liberal biased media,” Leavitt stated, extending the criticism to the coverage of Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungary – two young women tragically killed by individuals with prior legal issues. She expressed frustration that these cases did not receive the same level of sensationalized attention as the recent events in Minneapolis.
The core of the White House’s argument rests on the principle of equal value for all lives. Leavitt emphasized that the President believes every life lost is a tragedy, and that the media’s tendency to prioritize certain victims over others is deeply troubling. The administration views this as a fundamental issue of fairness and accountability in reporting.
Leavitt further asserted that the circumstances leading to Pretti’s death were a direct consequence of policies enacted by Democratic leaders in Minnesota. She pointed to a permissive environment that, in her view, contributed to the escalation of the situation and ultimately resulted in a tragic outcome.
The press secretary’s remarks underscore a growing frustration within the administration regarding what it perceives as a biased and inconsistent media landscape. The White House is actively challenging the narratives being presented and demanding a more equitable and comprehensive approach to covering tragic events across the country.
