Yasin Gungor
24 January 2026•Update: 24 January 2026
ISTANBUL
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Saturday accused officials in the Trump administration of fabricating accounts of a fatal Border Patrol shooting before any investigation had begun, as the state mobilized National Guard troops amid rising tensions.
“Before any investigation is done, you have the most powerful people in the federal government spinning stories … to spin a narrative,” Walz told reporters.
He rejected the Department of Homeland Security’s version of events, saying video evidence contradicted federal claims.
“Thank God we have video, because, according to DHS, these seven heroic guys took an onslaught of a battalion against them or something,” Walz said. “It’s nonsense … and it’s lies.”
Walz also sharply criticized immigration enforcement tactics, calling the actions of ICE agents “horrific cruelty, unprofessional, absolute abomination that is passing for what these ICE agents are doing on our streets.”
The governor said he contacted the White House to request the removal of federal agents he said were escalating unrest.
“They were going to cause more chaos,” Walz said, adding that he has no confidence in President Donald Trump to do “the right thing.”
"We can't live like this," he said.
Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said state investigators attempted to access the scene after Minneapolis police requested assistance but were blocked by DHS personnel.
Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said federal agents later withdrew, leaving the scene to state patrol officers, and urged demonstrators to remain peaceful.
National Guard Adjutant General Shawn Manke said additional troops were being mobilized at the request of Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt, who cited the “potential for continuing and growing conflict related to today’s federal agent-involved shooting.”
According to DHS, the incident occurred at 9.05 am local time (1505 GMT) when a Border Patrol officer shot an armed individual wanted for “violent assault.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara identified the man as a 37-year-old white American citizen with only traffic violations on record. He was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a valid carry permit.
