Trump Blasts Minneapolis Leaders After Fatal Federal Agent Shooting, Claims “Cover Up” Amid Fraud Scandal

President Donald Trump issued a fiery statement Saturday after a man was shot and killed by federal immigration agents in south Minneapolis. The president defended the presence of ICE and Border Patrol officers and accused local leaders of hiding the truth.

Trump tied the shooting to what he called a massive fraud scandal in Minnesota. He suggested the death was being used as a distraction, adding another layer of chaos to an already tense situation.

According to federal officials, the man was killed during a struggle with U.S. Border Patrol agents who said he was armed. The incident happened around 9 a.m. in a residential area, drawing crowds, cameras, and more questions than answers.

Soon after, Trump posted on Truth Social an image of a handgun he said was taken from the man. He wrote, “This is the gunman’s gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!) and ready to go.”

He followed up with a familiar blast at local leaders and police. “What is that all about? Where are the local Police Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE officers? The Mayor and Governor called them off? It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves — Not an easy thing to do!”

Trump then claimed the shooting was part of a wider plot to distract the public. He accused Minnesota officials of staging a cover up to hide what he said was widespread theft.

“We are there because of massive Monetary Fraud, with Billions of Dollars missing, and Illegal Criminals that were allowed to infiltrate the State through the Democrats’ Open Border Policy,” Trump wrote.

He doubled down moments later with even sharper words. “Much of what you’re witnessing is a COVER UP for this Theft and Fraud. The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric!” He ended the post in full capital letters, leaving little room for calm. “LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB!”

Local leaders responded quickly and with visible anger. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey again called for federal agents to leave the city after what he described as another unnecessary death.

“The invasion of these heavily armed, masked agents roaming around on our streets of Minneapolis, emboldened with a sense of impunity, it has to end,” Frey said at a press conference. “This is not how it has to be.”

Frey also appealed directly to the president. He urged Trump to “act like a leader,” a line that drew applause from some and eye rolls from others.

A DHS official told NewsNation that agents were conducting a targeted operation against an “illegal alien wanted for violent assault.” The official claimed an individual approached two agents with a semi-automatic handgun.

The official said the man “violently resisted” efforts to disarm him. “Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, a Border Patrol agent fired defensive shots,” the official said.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara offered a different account later that day. He said the victim was shot several times in the chest and died at the hospital.

O’Hara identified the man as a 37 year old Minneapolis resident. He said the man was believed to be a U.S. citizen and a licensed gun owner, a detail that added more fuel to the debate.

Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino pushed back hard. “[We need] state and local enforcement to help us coordinate to get violent criminals off the streets,” Bovino said.

“Mayor Frey and Chief O’Hara, just a few minutes ago, did the opposite of that by omitting the fact that the suspect had a gun and magazines full of ammunition,” he added.

When reporters pressed Bovino on whether the gun was ever pointed at agents, he said “those facts will come to light.” He described the case as evolving, which did little to calm anyone.

Governor Tim Walz rejected Bovino’s remarks and warned against rushing to conclusions. “I’m rejecting the rush to judgment within 15 minutes of this, which they did last time,” Walz said. “They’ve written the narrative already,” he added, accusing federal officials of slandering the victim before an investigation was complete.

The shooting is the third fatal incident involving federal agents in Minnesota this month. It comes amid growing protests over Trump’s immigration crackdown, known as Operation Metro Surge, and a public that is running out of patience.

Featured image via X screengrab