Finneas O’Connell, Billie Eilish’s brother, sparked significant backlash against gun rights on Saturday after a federal shooting incident in Minneapolis claimed the life of an armed man trying to resist law enforcement.
In a video shared on social media, the music producer openly condemned the prevalence of guns in America, stating, “For 30 years, we’ve been saying that we don’t believe people should own as many guns as they’re allowed to. We’ve been repeating this, while you insist it needs to continue—to the point that children have to die just to allow gun ownership.” He also expressed outrage, emphasizing the violent circumstances surrounding the man’s death, describing him as “beaten to the bone” yet not brandishing his weapon at the time he was shot. “So, just shut up,” he added fervently.
Reports from Breitbart News clarified the situation, noting that the Department of Homeland Security stated agents had fired “defensive shots” during a targeted operation aimed at an illegal alien suspected of violent assault. The incident unfolded when a man approached a U.S. Border Patrol agent with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
The police’s account suggested that efforts to disarm the man led to violent resistance on his part. Despite multiple videos capturing the gunfire during the event, the individual did not survive.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed at a press briefing that the deceased was a “legal gun owner with a permit,” although DHS remarked that he lacked identification and had concealed belongings. Kristi Noem noted that “concealing belongings without identification is…a violation of Minnesota law.”
Earlier in June 2025, amid violent protests against ICE in Los Angeles, Finneas claimed he experienced tear gas while participating in a “very peaceful protest.” He expressed anger, stating, “ICE is messed up,” while hinting that authorities were provoking agitation. His sister has also been vocal regarding anti-ICE sentiments, expressing fears of not feeling safe at home and witnessing troubling events like the kidnapping of neighbors and the assault of peaceful demonstrators.
