Less than 24 hours later, on Jan. 25, federal officers were involved in a second deadly confrontation in Minneapolis. Authorities confirmed that another man died after being shot by agents, marking the city’s second fatal federal-involved shooting in two days. Details of the Jan. 25 incident, including the events leading up to the gunfire and the agency or task force involved, have not been publicly disclosed.
Trump Administration Issues Response
Shortly after the second shooting, the Trump administration issued a statement acknowledging the incident and pledging cooperation with local investigators. The White House emphasized its commitment to “fully support all lawful federal enforcement activities” while indicating that additional information would be released “as soon as it is appropriate.”
Governor Walz, however, signaled doubts about the president’s follow-through. Speaking to reporters in St. Paul, he said his confidence in Trump’s response was limited and urged federal officials to share body-camera footage, witness statements and investigative findings with state authorities “without delay.”
Community Unrest and Demands for Transparency
The twin shootings intensified longstanding friction between federal officers and community members. Protests erupted across Minneapolis, with demonstrators calling for the removal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel from the city and demanding greater oversight of federal task forces operating in Minnesota.
On Jan. 23, tens of thousands of people marched through downtown Minneapolis, leading businesses and schools to close for the day. Protest organizers described the shutdown as a voluntary action taken “out of an abundance of caution” as crowds gathered near federal buildings. Police reported no major injuries but noted several instances of property damage during the demonstrations.
Minneapolis Ward 12 Council Member Andrew Johnson publicly called for an independent investigation into the Jan. 24 shooting and expressed support for families who lost loved ones. Johnson cited “repeated concerns” about transparency in cases involving federal agents and urged city leaders to examine cooperation agreements between local police and federal task forces.
State and Federal Jurisdiction
Under federal law, shootings involving federal officers fall primarily under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice. However, Minnesota statutes allow the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to conduct parallel inquiries when the incidents occur within state lines. Walz said he had directed the BCA to collect evidence, interview witnesses and coordinate with federal investigators.
“Our priority is to establish a complete and factual record of what happened in both cases,” Walz told journalists. “We will work with federal partners where possible, but we will also insist on the transparency our residents deserve.”
The governor’s position reflects broader debates about oversight of federal law-enforcement operations. Civil-rights advocates argue that local agencies should have access to all investigative material when shootings occur in their jurisdictions, citing the need for community trust. Federal officials contend that sensitive details, including the identities of undercover agents, must often remain confidential to protect ongoing operations.
Legal and Political Implications
Activists have pointed to a steady rise in federal-related enforcement actions in Minneapolis since 2025, a period that included multiple immigration raids and joint task force operations targeting drug trafficking. Attorneys representing the families of those killed in the Jan. 24 and Jan. 25 incidents said they plan to pursue legal action once the official reports are released.
The unfolding events also present political challenges for Governor Walz and President Trump. Walz faces pressure from constituents demanding swift accountability, while Trump must balance support for federal officers with public calls for transparency. Experts note that the disputes could influence federal–state relations, particularly if more information is withheld.
Legal scholars emphasize that federal officers generally operate under different guidelines than local police, a distinction that can complicate investigations. “Federal agents are subject to Department of Justice policies, which may not align perfectly with state requirements,” said Charles H. Ramsey, former Philadelphia police commissioner and co-chair of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, in a recent Justice Department briefing paper. Ramsey noted that coordination agreements often determine how quickly evidence is shared.
Next Steps in the Investigation
DHS officials confirmed that body-camera and dashboard footage from both shootings exist and are being reviewed internally. A departmental spokesperson said preliminary findings would be forwarded to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, which will decide whether to pursue criminal charges, refer the cases to a grand jury or close the investigations without prosecution.
The BCA has established a public hotline for witnesses to submit videos or photographs related to either incident. The agency said it will release a summary of its findings after federal authorities complete their reviews or authorize state disclosure.
Meanwhile, protest organizers announced plans for additional demonstrations at the Hennepin County Government Center and the Minneapolis arm of the federal courthouse. They have called on local officials to suspend federal partnerships until the investigations conclude and to institute new guidelines for any future joint operations.
Weather Adds Complications
The unrest is unfolding as a major winter storm sweeps across the Upper Midwest and the Eastern United States, bringing heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain. Airlines have canceled more than 9,000 flights nationwide, and transportation officials warned motorists to avoid non-essential travel. The severe weather could delay witness interviews and scene analyses, authorities said.
Governor Walz indicated that the state emergency operations center is monitoring both the storm and the protests, coordinating resources to ensure public safety. He urged residents to stay informed, remain peaceful and avoid speculation until official findings are available.
As federal and state investigators continue their parallel probes, Walz reiterated his doubts about the White House approach yet underscored the importance of cooperation. “Minnesotans deserve clarity, accountability and justice,” he said. “We will pursue every avenue to make sure that happens.”
Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live
