Minneapolis woke to renewed shock after a man was shot dead by federal agents in the early hours of Saturday morning near the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. The incident has intensified an already volatile atmosphere in the city, coming only weeks after the fatal shooting of Renee Good during an operation involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Residents, community leaders, and officials now face growing questions about accountability, the use of force, and the expanding role of federal law enforcement on local streets.
The circumstances surrounding the latest death remain contested, with limited confirmed information released in the immediate aftermath. What is clear is that the killing has added to a sense of exhaustion and anger among Minnesotans who have watched repeated confrontations unfold between federal officers and local communities. For many, this latest shooting is not an isolated tragedy but part of a wider pattern that continues to test public trust.
Governor Walz Voices Anger And Alarm
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz responded swiftly and forcefully, describing the incident as intolerable and demanding immediate action from Washington. In a post on social media, Walz said he had spoken directly with the White House following what he called another horrific shooting by federal agents. His frustration was unmistakable as he accused the ongoing federal presence of endangering lives rather than protecting them.
Walz went further by directly addressing President Donald Trump, calling for the withdrawal of what he described as thousands of violent and untrained officers from Minnesota. In another statement, the governor insisted that the state must lead the investigation into the shooting, arguing that federal agents should not interfere with efforts to secure the scene and ensure public safety. His remarks reflect a deepening rift between state leadership and federal authorities over control, responsibility, and accountability.
Video Footage Fuels Public Outrage
Adding to the controversy is a short video circulating widely on social media, which purportedly captures moments of the encounter. The footage appears to show several individuals, believed to be federal agents, restraining a person on the sidewalk while another strikes him with an object. Shortly after, a sound resembling a gunshot is heard, followed by several more.
BREAKING: A man was reportedly shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis this morning.
Source: Minnesota Star Tribunehttps://t.co/1x5e1ODift
— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 24, 2026
While the video has not been independently verified, its rapid spread has fueled anger and suspicion among the public. For many viewers, the images raise troubling questions about proportionality and conduct. Officials have cautioned against drawing conclusions before investigations are complete, yet the visual impact has already shaped public perception and intensified demands for transparency.
Police Chief Urges Calm Amid Rising Tensions
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara addressed the media later on Saturday, acknowledging the limited information available at that stage. He stated that the victim was believed to be a 37 year old white male, a Minneapolis resident, and an American citizen. His remarks aimed to clarify early speculation and provide a basic factual framework amid widespread uncertainty.
O’Hara also appealed directly to residents to remain peaceful, urging people to avoid the area and to leave if they were already present. His plea, including the words
Please, do not destroy our own city,
reflected concern over the potential for unrest. According to reports, tensions flared shortly after the shooting as crowds gathered and confrontations occurred between federal agents and members of the public.
Federal Authorities Defend Their Actions
The US Department of Homeland Security offered a sharply different account of events. In a statement posted online, the department said its officers were conducting a targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault when an individual approached Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi automatic handgun. Officials claimed officers attempted to disarm the suspect, who they said violently resisted.
According to the statement, an agent fired defensive shots after fearing for his life and the safety of fellow officers. Federal authorities further alleged that the man was carrying additional magazines, which they claimed indicated an intent to cause maximum harm. The department also reported that a large group later arrived at the scene and obstructed and assaulted law enforcement, a claim that has further inflamed debate.
President Trump Escalates The Political Battle
President Donald Trump quickly weighed in, sharing a photo of the firearm allegedly recovered at the scene and placing blame on local and state leadership. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that Minneapolis police were not allowed to protect ICE officers, suggesting that restrictions had been imposed by Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Walz.
The president accused the two officials of inciting insurrection through what he described as dangerous and arrogant rhetoric. He defended the federal deployment, asserting that agents had already arrested thousands of illegal alien criminals in Minnesota. Trump concluded with a warning that conditions would be far worse without the continued presence of federal officers, a statement likely to deepen divisions rather than resolve them.
