Post by : Meena Ariff

afpUS President Donald Trump has announced plans to ease tensions following a deadly incident in Minnesota, where federal agents shot and killed two US citizens, including an intensive care nurse named Alex Pretti. The nurse was killed over the weekend during a confrontation involving Border Patrol officers.

Addressing the situation, the President said the administration intends to "de-escalate" the growing crisis, describing the change as a "little bit of a change" rather than a full pullback. The incident has sparked weeks of protests and heightened conflict between federal and state officials in Minneapolis.

Criticism has mounted against top federal officials, including the Secretary of Homeland Security, who oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The Secretary faced backlash for labeling Pretti a "domestic terrorist" and claiming he brandished a weapon during the encounter. These remarks were made before any formal investigation, contradicting preliminary video evidence that shows Pretti did not draw his gun before being tackled and fatally shot.

Pretti, who was filming the Border Patrol officers at the time, was also a licensed gun owner and was carrying a permit to carry his weapon in public. Reports suggest his weapon was confiscated by officers prior to the shooting.

A notice to Congress revealed that two federal officers fired their guns during the incident after Pretti resisted arrest and a struggle ensued. One officer reportedly shouted, "He’s got a gun!" multiple times before shots were fired. Investigators from the CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility reviewed body camera footage and agency records as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Despite calls for resignation from some quarters, President Trump expressed continued confidence in the Homeland Security Secretary.

The situation remains tense, with federal immigration enforcement efforts under intense scrutiny as communities demand transparency and justice.

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