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Federal officer shoots suspect during violent confrontation
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officer shot a man in the leg in Minneapolis after being attacked with a shovel while attempting an arrest, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
Chaotic scene follows high-speed chase
The incident unfolded after a car pursuit involving a Venezuelan national residing in the U.S. without legal authorization, according to a DHS statement posted on X. The chase ended in a crash, after which the driver and two accomplices assaulted the federal officer.
The DHS reported that during the struggle, two individuals emerged from a nearby apartment and attacked the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. As the original suspect broke free, he began striking the officer with a shovel or broomstick, prompting the officer to fire in self-defense.
"Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired defensive shots."
Department of Homeland Security
Protests erupt amid escalating tensions
Fresh clashes erupted between demonstrators and law enforcement near the scene, with Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara stating that officers were targeted with fireworks, ice, and snowballs. The injured suspect, whose condition is not life-threatening, and an ICE officer were both hospitalized for treatment.
City officials took to X to appeal for calm, acknowledging public anger while urging restraint. "The City of Minneapolis again demands that ICE leave the city and state immediately," the statement read.
Background: Fatal ICE shooting fuels unrest
Tensions in Minneapolis have been elevated since the January 7 fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. The incident sparked protests across multiple U.S. cities, with conflicting narratives emerging about the circumstances.
The Trump administration claims the agent acted in self-defense, while local officials argue Good posed no threat. Videos of the encounter show ICE agents approaching a car in the street before one officer fired three shots as the vehicle attempted to drive away. The FBI is investigating both incidents.
Good's family maintains she was a legal observer monitoring ICE activities, a claim disputed by White House officials, including President Donald Trump, who allege she interfered with the officers' work. A fundraiser for her family has since raised over $1.4 million.
Political fallout intensifies
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described the situation as "unsustainable," criticizing the recent deployment of federal agents against local objections. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz echoed these sentiments in a social media video, urging Trump to end what he called an "occupation" of ICE officers in the state.
"Angry is not a strong enough word."
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche blamed state and local leadership for the unrest, stating on X that the "Minnesota insurrection" stemmed from a "FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement."
Investigation underway
The FBI is leading the probe into the latest shooting, with details in the DHS statement yet to be independently verified. Approximately 3,000 federal officers have been deployed to Minnesota in recent weeks, further straining relations between local and federal authorities.
