A recent incident in north Minneapolis involved an immigration agent shooting a Venezuelan man following a traffic stop. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disclosed the shooting on social media around 8:51 p.m., stating the officer acted out of self-defense during a struggle involving the man and two intervening bystanders.
The injured man sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg and was hospitalized, alongside the federal agent. Two bystanders who reportedly interfered were taken into custody subsequent to the encounter.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The event transpired after a traffic stop at approximately 6:50 p.m. in the 600 block of 24th Avenue North. The scene escalated quickly as federal agents pursued the man, leading to the shooting. Following the incident, significant unrest erupted, with over 100 demonstrators gathering in the area. Some protesters clashed with immigration agents, who resorted to deploying tear gas.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses described the chaotic situation. Noah Schumacher, a nearby resident, expressed his distress over the second shooting in a short span, stating urgency in confronting the agents involved. He emphasized the community’s need to respond actively to what he referred to as terrorizing actions by authorities.
Another local, Clayton Kelly, recounted seeing an SUV with police lights pursuing a vehicle before hearing gunshots. He noted the chaos as agents swarmed the area following the incident.
Anusha Ramaswami highlighted the perceived desperation of immigration agents, attributing the increase in aggressive tactics to community resistance against federal actions. Residents like Keisha Foster voiced their discontent, raising concerns about public safety near their homes.
Community Response and Further Investigations
As the crowd gathered, tensions escalated with reports of protests interfering with law enforcement movements. Protesters blocked an armored vehicle and damaged an ICE vehicle during the unrest. Jaylani Hussein, an executive director from the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, reported a heavy federal presence and ongoing investigations.
In the backdrop, the aftermath of an earlier shooting on January 7, which resulted in the death of Renee Nicole Macklin Good during an ICE operation, still resonates in the community. This prior incident has fueled demonstrations and criticism towards federal enforcement methods.
Federal and Local Agency Involvement
- The DHS confirmed the shooting was sparked by a traffic stop involving an individual considered to be undocumented.
- Witness statements indicate the shooting may have been prompted by altercations between the police and bystanders.
- Investigators from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) are set to engage in inquiries related to this incident.
As developments continue to unfold, local authorities, including Minneapolis officials, are expected to address the community regarding the incident and its broader implications for public safety and federal enforcement actions. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as new information emerges.
