A tense Saturday in Minneapolis erupted as a Border Patrol agent fired upon an armed individual at the intersection of East 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. The suspect, reportedly carrying a firearm and two fully loaded magazines, triggered the incident that quickly drew a volatile response from the city and beyond.
News of the shooting spread rapidly, attracting crowds and escalating anxieties already simmering within the community. Local and state police moved to contain the scene, attempting to establish order amidst growing unrest and a surge of onlookers.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty immediately emphasized the critical need for a meticulously preserved crime scene. She urged federal authorities to allow the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to take control of evidence collection, ensuring a thorough and independent investigation.
Moriarty also issued a direct appeal to the public, requesting anyone with photos or videos of the incident to come forward. This call for citizen involvement underscored the importance of transparency and a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded.
The Minneapolis Police Department urged residents to remain calm, acknowledging the reports of the shooting and promising updates through official city channels. Their statement aimed to quell potential panic and encourage responsible information sharing.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz reacted with forceful condemnation, directly addressing the White House and demanding an immediate end to federal operations within the state. He characterized the shooting as “horrific” and called for the withdrawal of federal agents.
The incident ignited a firestorm of political response. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, both representing Minnesota, echoed Walz’s outrage, demanding the departure of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to allow local law enforcement to manage the situation.
This shooting arrives against a backdrop of heightened tensions stemming from a previous fatal encounter. The January 7th shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent had already sparked widespread protests and fueled criticism of federal immigration policies.
Following Good’s death, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey had already delivered a scathing rebuke to ICE, demanding their immediate removal from the city. This latest incident only intensifies the existing conflict and calls for accountability.
The situation remains fluid and under active investigation. The focus now shifts to securing the scene, gathering evidence, and understanding the full sequence of events that led to this deeply unsettling confrontation.
