Noem Claims Alex Pretti Arrived to Inflict Maximum Damage and Kill Law Enforcement

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem held a press briefing falsely claiming that Alex Pretti 'approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun' and 'reacted violently' when officers attempted to disarm him. She claimed 'It looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and kill law enforcement.' This claim directly contradicted bystander video showing Pretti holding his phone, not a gun, when attacked. Noem also accused Governor Walz and Mayor Frey of 'encouraging violence against our citizens and law enforcement officers' through their 'rhetoric.' When ABC News asked what evidence she had to support her claim that Pretti intended to hurt law enforcement, Noem did not answer. Minneapolis Police Chief O'Hara confirmed Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, and his only prior interactions with law enforcement were traffic tickets. Noem announced that DHS would lead the investigation.

"It looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and kill law enforcement" — DHS press briefing January 24, 2026