Press Conference Following Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara and Mayor Jacob Frey held a press conference after an armed man was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents in the city. Mayor Frey urged President Trump to withdraw federal agents from Minnesota while O’Hara called for peaceful protests.
The police chief mentioned they had identified the deceased, a 37-year-old white male, a Minneapolis resident, who reportedly was an American citizen and a legal gun owner. However, O’Hara did not disclose his name.
As for what led to the incident, details remain unclear, according to O’Hara.
“We urge everyone to remain peaceful,” O’Hara said. “There’s a lot of anger and many questions, but it’s crucial for people to stay calm.”
O’Hara noted the demonstrations against ICE in the city are regarded by law enforcement as “unlawful assembly.”
“Minneapolis police have issued multiple dispersal warnings to the crowd,” explained O’Hara. “We request that people avoid the area and leave if they are present.”
He added, “Please remain calm and do not cause damage to our city.”
A bystander captured video of the incident showing federal agents trying to subdue a man who appeared to resist before being shot. The Department of Homeland Security indicated he reached for a weapon, prompting the agent to fire.
Mayor Frey provided his take on the events of that day.
“I just saw a video of over six masked agents attacking one of our residents and shooting him. How many lives must be lost for this operation to stop? How many more deaths do we need to plead with you, Donald Trump, to recognize that safety is more important than a political narrative?”
Frey described Minneapolis as “a great American city being invaded by its own federal government.”
“I’m tired of people claiming that our community is to blame for the tensions,” he emphasized.
He characterized the anti-deportation protests as “peaceful,” stating that the massive federal presence is what truly weakens the nation. He suggested that local immigration enforcement undermines trust in law enforcement and democracy.
“To everyone listening: Stand with Minneapolis. Stand up for America,” Frey urged. “Consider what you’ll tell your children and grandchildren about your actions.”
In a prior press conference, following the death of Renee Good earlier this month, Frey had condemned the justification of her shooting by law enforcement as “nonsense” and demanded ICE agents “leave Minneapolis.” His strong statements raised questions about their contribution to rising tensions in the city.
