Image: from Fox News X@FoxNews
By Open Chronicle News Desk
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has issued a scathing rebuke of Minnesota’s top Democratic leaders, accusing Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of “inciting violence” and “gaslighting” the public following a series of fatal federal shootings in the Twin Cities.
The war of words intensified after the most recent death of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, who was shot by a Border Patrol agent on Saturday. This followed the January 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good. In both instances, Secretary Noem has doubled down on the federal narrative, characterizing the deceased as aggressors and labeling the resistance to federal operations as “acts of domestic terrorism.”
JUST NOW: Kristi Noem says that the domestic extremist came to the location planning to "inflict maximum damage … and k*ll law enforcement."
"The suspect also had two magazines with ammunition in them that held dozens of rounds. He also had no ID."
"I want to remind everybody… pic.twitter.com/7QnYyOWHnz
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) January 24, 2026
“Today, ICE officers in Minneapolis were conducting targeted operations when rioters began blocking them,” Noem stated, specifically referring to the incident involving Renee Good. “One of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them—an act of domestic terrorism.”
Noem’s comments have directly targeted Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, claiming their vocal opposition to “Operation Metro Surge” has created a dangerous environment for federal agents. She accused the leaders of refusing to honor ICE detainers and protecting “criminal illegal aliens” at the expense of public safety. “Tim Walz and Jacob Frey have done nothing but turn up the temperature, smear heroic officers, and incite violence against them,” Noem added during a recent appearance.
Noem: Armed individual posed a real threat, not a peaceful protester. Arrived at a law enforcement operation with a weapon and ammunition, aiming to incite violence. Says he was encouraged by an “irresponsible, dishonest governor.” pic.twitter.com/ZthMLGoBjJ
— Metro Prime News (@metroprimenews) January 25, 2026
The Governor and Mayor have countered these claims, with Mayor Frey describing the DHS narrative as a “falsehood” intended to shield agents from accountability. Frey noted that video evidence in both cases appears to contradict federal claims of self-defense. Governor Walz has also pleaded with the White House to stop what he calls a “campaign of retribution” against his state.
As federal authorities continue to deploy hundreds of additional agents in Minneapolis, the standoff between state sovereignty and federal enforcement shows no signs of abating, with Noem maintaining that federal agents will continue their work “without apology.”