Trump Blames Minnesota Leaders, Defends ICE Agents After Fatal Shooting/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old legal gun owner by ICE agents in Minneapolis, President Trump responded with a political tirade targeting Minnesota Democrats. He accused local leaders of corruption and inciting insurrection. Trump offered no condolences, instead defending federal agents and blaming state officials for the violence.
Trump ICE Shooting Response Quick Looks
- ICE agents shot and killed a 37-year-old man in Minneapolis
- DHS claims victim had a handgun and resisted arrest
- President Trump responded by attacking Democratic leaders online
- Trump accused Rep. Ilhan Omar of financial crimes without evidence
- Claimed Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey incited unrest
- Trump shared photo of the victim’s alleged weapon on Truth Social
- Omar called the shooting “an execution” by immigration enforcement
- Police Chief Brian O’Hara appealed for calm and peaceful protest
- DHS said agents fired “defensive shots” during immigration raid
- Ongoing protests follow second fatal ICE shooting in two weeks
Deep Look
Trump Responds to ICE Shooting in Minneapolis With Attacks on Minnesota Democrats
MINNEAPOLIS — President Donald Trump took to Truth Social less than two hours after a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and legal gun owner was fatally shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis. Instead of addressing the loss of life or calling for unity, Trump used the moment to launch a political tirade against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Representative Ilhan Omar.
The incident, which occurred Saturday morning, marks the second fatal ICE shooting in the city this month. The first, involving 37-year-old Renee Good, ignited days of protests. Saturday’s fatal shooting unfolded just over a mile away, reigniting public anger and intensifying demands for federal accountability.
Trump’s Online Reaction: Accusations Without Evidence
In his post, Trump shared a photo of the alleged weapon the victim was carrying — a 9mm handgun with two extra magazines — and questioned the actions of local officials.
“This is the gunman’s gun, loaded… What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE Officers? The Mayor and the Governor called them off?” Trump wrote.
He then pivoted to unsubstantiated claims, accusing Rep. Ilhan Omar of holding $34 million in illicit funds and alleging that “tens of billions” had been stolen from Minnesota through Democratic “open border” policies.
“Those Fraudsters who stole the money are going to jail, where they belong!” Trump claimed, adding, “The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection.”
He concluded with a defense of ICE operations, stating: “LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! 12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota.”
Victim Was Legal Gun Owner, Officials Confirm
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara later confirmed that the victim was a 37-year-old man and reportedly a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. O’Hara declined to release the man’s name but emphasized that more information would be released as the investigation continues.
A statement from DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the ICE officers involved were conducting part of the Trump administration’s largest-ever immigration enforcement operation, and that the man “violently resisted” when officers attempted to disarm him. Agents allegedly fired “defensive shots” during the encounter.
Despite DHS’s claims, eyewitness accounts and the city’s recent history have fueled skepticism and outrage. Protesters quickly gathered at the scene, and public officials were swift to respond.
Omar, Walz, and Other Leaders Slam Trump and ICE
Rep. Ilhan Omar, a frequent target of Trump’s attacks, issued a statement calling the shooting “an execution by immigration enforcement.”
“It is beyond shameful that these federal agents are targeting our residents instead of protecting them,” she said. “This isn’t isolated or accidental. The Trump administration is trying to beat us into submission.”
Governor Tim Walz also issued a strongly worded statement after the shooting, demanding that Trump withdraw ICE agents from Minnesota and condemning what he described as “violent, untrained officers.”
“Pull them out of Minnesota. Now,” Walz posted on X.
Mayor Jacob Frey has not yet publicly responded to the president’s accusations, but earlier in the week, he called for an end to aggressive federal tactics in Minneapolis neighborhoods.
Tensions Escalate as Protests Grow
The shooting occurred amid daily protests that have rocked Minneapolis since the January 7 shooting of Renee Good. Demonstrators have accused ICE of using excessive force and targeting communities of color.
Police Chief O’Hara has continued to urge calm, stating:
“We recognize there is a lot of anger and a lot of questions… but we need people to remain peaceful.”
Despite his call, the mood in the streets remains volatile. Protesters gathered again Saturday evening, chanting “ICE out now” and demanding justice.
City officials and federal authorities have not yet released body camera footage or further details about the shooting, adding to the mounting pressure for transparency.
Trump’s Strategy: Distract, Deflect, Defend?
Trump’s decision to respond not with empathy but with conspiracy theories and partisan blame has drawn criticism across the political spectrum. Analysts suggest the former president is attempting to shift the narrative away from federal violence and toward his recurring themes of crime, corruption, and immigration.
While no evidence has been provided for the financial claims Trump leveled against Rep. Omar and Minnesota officials, the rhetoric fits into a broader pattern of inflammatory statements aimed at energizing his political base.
Whether this strategy will defuse or further ignite public unrest remains to be seen.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.