Minneapolis shooting: DHS issues first statement as federal agents kill man — ‘agent fired defensive shots'

Homeland Security officials confirmed that a suspect was fatally shot by US Border Patrol officers during a targeted operation in Minneapolis on Saturday morning (January 24). The operation, conducted around 9:05 a.m. CT, focused on apprehending an individual wanted for violent assault, it stated.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the suspect approached officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. Officers attempted to disarm the individual, but he violently resisted. Fearing for his life and the safety of fellow officers, an agent discharged defensive shots. The suspect was immediately treated by medics on the scene but was pronounced dead at the location, it said.

Authorities noted that the suspect carried two magazines and had no identification. DHS described the situation as a potential attempt “to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.”

Governor Walz calls for end to federal crackdown

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, said in a social media post that he had been in contact with the White House following the shooting. He called on President Donald Trump to end the federal immigration enforcement operation in the state.

“I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now,” Walz wrote, emphasizing his concern over the ongoing federal crackdown.

Walz demands state-led investigation

Walz called on the White House to allow state authorities to lead the investigation. He emphasized that Minnesota has the personnel and expertise to handle the investigation safely and thoroughly.

“I told the White House the state must lead the investigation. Let state investigators secure justice,” he wrote on X

The Governor also appealed to residents and protesters to remain calm as authorities process the scene.

“As we process the scene, stay peaceful and give them space,” Walz said.

Walz stressed that federal agents must not interfere with state efforts to maintain safety and order.

“The State has the personnel to keep people safe – federal agents must not obstruct our ability to do so,” he added.

Police chief appeals for calm

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara urged both the public and federal officers to remain calm following the incident.

“Our demand today is for those federal agencies that are operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity, and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands,” O’Hara said.

“We urge everyone to remain peaceful. We recognize that there is a lot of anger and a lot of questions around what has happened, but we need people to remain peaceful in the area.”

O’Hara also clarified that the man shot was 37 and, according to authorities, a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. “As far as we know, his only previous interaction with law enforcement was for traffic tickets,” he said.

Crowds react with anger

An angry crowd gathered at the intersection where the shooting occurred, blocking streets and confronting federal officers. Protesters shouted profanities, calling the agents “cowards” and demanding that they leave.

The shooting follows a massive protest just a day earlier, where thousands of residents demanded that federal immigration enforcement leave the city amid freezing temperatures.

Political leaders condemn the shooting

Several Minnesota Democrats expressed outrage over the incident:

Senator Amy Klobuchar: “Donald Trump and all your lieutenants who ordered this ICE surge: watch the horrific video of the killing today. The world is watching. Thousands of citizens stopped and harassed…Get ICE out of Minnesota.”

Senator Tina Smith: “We are gathering more information, but ICE must leave now so MPD can secure the scene and do their jobs.”

Representative Angie Craig: “I have seen my own eyes the video of another horrific killing by ICE agents this morning in Minneapolis. This is sickening. The agency is beyond out of control.”

Representative Ilhan Omar: “I am absolutely heartbroken, horrified, and appalled that federal agents murdered another member of our community. It is beyond shameful…This isn't isolated or accidental. The Trump administration is trying to beat us into submission rather than protect us.”