Border Patrol Shooting Labeled Domestic Terrorism
Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, described the actions of a suspect who was shot and killed in Minneapolis by Border Patrol agents as “domestic terrorism.” She also criticized Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly provoking violence against federal agents. Noem mentioned that President Trump is ready to use the Insurrection Act if necessary.
“When you incite violence against a government for ideological purposes, that’s domestic terrorism,” Noem stated during a press conference at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Noem explained that the incident began during a targeted operation against an undocumented immigrant with a criminal history, which included domestic abuse and driving violations.
“This individual committed an act of domestic terrorism by approaching law enforcement with weapons,” she said. “That’s the fact.”
According to her, the conflict escalated when a man confronted a Border Patrol agent with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The agent attempted to disarm him, but the suspect reacted aggressively. “Fearing for his life and for other officers, the agent fired a defensive shot,” she stated.
Medics tried to assist the man, later identified as 37-year-old Alex Preti, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Noem noted that Preti had two ammunition magazines, but no identification was found on him.
“It looks like individuals came to harm law enforcement,” she claimed.
Noem went on to report that riots broke out following the shooting, with hundreds of demonstrators obstructing the police. “They began to assault law enforcement officers, throwing various objects. We even had an agent get his finger bitten off,” she added, mentioning that crowd control measures were implemented to ensure safety.
She attributed the turmoil to the state’s political leaders. “The governor and the mayor need to reflect on their rhetoric and the impact it has on public safety,” she said.
Noem accused Governor Walz of encouraging residents to resist law enforcement, implying he undermined the integrity of federal officers. “He referred to them as the Gestapo, which is simply false,” she stated.
In response to questions about whether President Trump would invoke the Insurrection Act because of the riots, Noem did not dismiss the possibility. “The president will do what it takes to uphold his promise to America,” she remarked, assuring that the administration will persist in its operations in Minneapolis despite local backlash.
“We’re going to handle Minneapolis like we do other cities,” Noem emphasized, referencing ongoing immigration enforcement actions nationwide.
The DHS is treating this incident like other officer-involved shootings, with further information to be released as the investigation continues. The White House has not yet commented on Noem’s statements.
