Trump Defends Border Patrol After Fatal Minneapolis Shooting, Blames Local Leaders for Lack of Support
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday to defend a Border Patrol agent who fatally shot an armed U.S. citizen during an incident in Minneapolis, sharply criticizing local officials for what he described as a failure to support federal law enforcement. The 37-year-old man, a Minneapolis resident, was reportedly armed with a 9mm pistol and two fully loaded magazines when agents confronted him. According to reports, the suspect “violently resisted” the agents before the fatal shooting.
In his post, Trump questioned the absence of local police at the scene, writing, “This is the gunman’s gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go—What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE Officers?” He further alleged that the Mayor and Governor had called off local police support, forcing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to “protect themselves—Not an easy thing to do!”
The incident has sparked protests and unrest in Minneapolis, a city that has faced ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community members. The shooting has reignited debates over federal agents’ roles in local jurisdictions, especially in so-called “blue cities” where local leaders often resist federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Trump also targeted Representative Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., in his post, questioning her financial dealings amid a federal fraud investigation, though details on that probe remain sparse.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, which oversees Border Patrol, has confirmed the shooting but has not released extensive details pending investigation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reiterated its commitment to supporting agents in the field, emphasizing the risks they face when confronting armed suspects.
Local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have called for calm and urged a measured response to the incident. Both leaders have faced criticism from various sides, with some accusing them of undermining law enforcement efforts and others demanding accountability for the use of lethal force.
The situation has also drawn national attention, with calls from some lawmakers to reconsider the presence and scope of ICE and CBP operations within city limits. The debate underscores the complex balance between federal immigration enforcement and local policing priorities.
For more information on federal law enforcement protocols and agents’ training, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection official site. Insights into ICE operations and policies can be found at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement website. The Department of Homeland Security provides updates on federal security initiatives and investigations. For ongoing coverage of Minneapolis law enforcement and community relations, the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division offers resources and reports.
The incident remains under active investigation, and federal as well as local authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation in Minneapolis.
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