by Minneapolis, MN – About 1,500 Minnesota National Guard troops were moved from standby to active duty Saturday following the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis, according to state officials.
Gov. Tim Walz ordered the activation after federal agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, an intensive care unit nurse and U.S. citizen. Federal officials said the shooting happened in self-defense, and Homeland Security stated Pretti was armed.
Incident Overview
The activation came amid growing tension in the Twin Cities after the latest fatal encounter involving federal officers. Officials said Guard members had been preparing for nearly a week to respond if needed after a request from Hennepin County sheriff’s officials.
National Guard Deployment Plan
At a Saturday news conference, Brig. Gen. John Manke, the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, said troops’ first mission would be to provide security at the Whipple Federal Building, which houses the federal court and an ICE detention center.
Governor Walz Addresses Public Anger
Walz acknowledged the frustration in the community and reiterated his call for federal officers to leave the area, while emphasizing that Minnesotans can exercise their constitutional rights safely.
“I want to use this opportunity to stress to Minnesotans the frustration you have,” Walz said. “They killed a man, created chaos, pushed down protesters indiscriminately and then left the scene… We can handle this, and Minnesotans can express their First Amendment rights and have our folks on the streets and get these people out of here.”
Homeland Security Response
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Pretti was trying to interfere with law enforcement activity and that agents acted to protect themselves and others.
“This individual showed up to impede a law enforcement operation and assaulted our officers,” Noem said. “They responded according to their training and took action to defend the officer’s life and those of the public around him.”
Conclusion
The situation remains tense as Minnesota officials deploy Guard troops to secure federal facilities and federal authorities maintain the shooting was justified. Investigations and public response are expected to continue in the coming days.
