Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the federal agent who shot dead an armed Minneapolis protester who she said violently brandished a gun while attempting to interfere in the “targeted” arrest of a criminal migrant — and blamed the state’s Democratic leaders for the shooting.
Noem said a Border Patrol agent, in fear of his life, rattled off “defensive” shots at 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti after he approached federal immigration officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun as tensions flared in South Minneapolis Saturday morning.
“The officers attempted to disarm this individual, but the armed suspect reacted violently,” Noem said at a press conference Saturday night.
“The officers attempted to disarm this individual, but the armed suspect reacted violently. Fearing for his life and for the lives of his fellow officers around him, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics were on the scene immediately and attempted to deliver medical aid, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.”
In addition to the handgun, Noem said Pretti was also in possession of two magazines holding dozens of rounds of ammunition and was carrying no ID.
While she noted the gun was illegal, Minneapolis police said Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit.
“This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement,” the secretary added.
Federal officials said Pretti intervened as agents were attempting to arrest Jose Huerta-Chuma, who criminal record includes domestic assault, disorderly conduct and driving without a valid license.
The fatal incident, which captured on video from multiple vantage points, drew an immediate crowd of rowdy protesters, prompting federal law enforcement to fire multiple rounds of tear gas in an effort to disperse them.
Rioters, who Noem said were trying to “obstruct and assault law enforcement,” were seen hurling trash cans at an armored vehicle and chanting at armed federal officers.
Noem said one Homeland Security agent even lost a finger in the violence — sharing a photo of the bloody, severed digit.
“I want to remind everybody that this situation and this tragedy did not have to happen,” she added, blaming Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for inciting the violence with their persistent “rhetoric” aimed at federal enforcement officers.
“Our law enforcement are doing everything that they can to protect the public. We’re praying for this deceased loved one’s family and friends, but we also recognized that the Minnesota Governor and the Minneapolis Mayor need to take a long, hard look in the mirror.”
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