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Minneapolis shooting: Video shows tense confrontation before Border Patrol fatally shoots man
A video shows agents approaching and then pushing the individual in the lead-up to the encounter.
A man was fatally shot by US federal immigration agents on Saturday in Minneapolis amid an ongoing immigration enforcement operation that has already sparked widespread protests.
The shooting occurred near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in south Minneapolis, where authorities said the man was confronted by Border Patrol.
Video circulating online appears to show agents wrestling with the man before a series of shots are fired.
Another clip shows agents approaching and then pushing the individual in the lead-up to the encounter.
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DHS statement
The Department of Homeland Security said the man was armed with a handgun and two magazines and that officers attempted to disarm him. According to DHS, he “violently resisted,” prompting an agent to fire defensive shots.
"At 9:05 AM CT, as DHS law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault, an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, seen here," DHS said in a statement
"The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted. More details on the armed struggle are forthcoming."
"Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but was pronounced dead at the scene."
What Minneapolis police chief said
In a press conference, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the man’s death and said authorities are investigating the incident. He said the man was a 37-year-old white Minneapolis resident believed to be a US citizen and a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.
Tim Walz responds
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz condemned the shooting on social media, "I told the White House the state must lead the investigation. Let state investigators secure justice. As we process the scene, stay peaceful and give them space. The State has the personnel to keep people safe – federal agents must not obstruct our ability to do so."
