Executive Summary
- A DHS agent lost a finger after allegedly being bitten by a protester in Minneapolis.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed a suspect is in custody and vowed federal charges.
- The incident occurred during unrest following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE agents.
- Pretti’s family disputes DHS claims that he was armed during the fatal encounter.
A Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent suffered a severe injury after a protester allegedly bit off his finger during civil unrest in Minneapolis, according to statements from Department of Homeland Security officials. The incident occurred over the weekend amid escalating tensions surrounding a fatal officer-involved shooting during an immigration enforcement operation.
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reported the assault, stating that rioters attacked the law enforcement officer in the line of duty. “One of them bit off our HSI officer’s finger,” McLaughlin wrote in a statement, confirming that the agent will permanently lose the digit. Attorney General Pam Bondi subsequently announced that a suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody.
Attorney General Bondi condemned the incident as a “heinous assault” on law enforcement and stated she has directed federal prosecutors to file charges against the accused. Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino reinforced this stance during a news conference, warning that individuals who obstruct or assault officers will face arrest and prosecution.
The violence unfolded in the wake of the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed during an immigration enforcement action in the city earlier in the weekend. DHS officials stated that an agent fired “defensive shots” at Pretti, alleging he was armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. However, Pretti’s family released a statement vehemently denying these accusations, asserting he was holding a phone and protecting a woman when he was killed.
Public Safety & Legal Ramifications
The assault on a federal agent underscores the volatile nature of current civil disturbances and the significant risks facing law enforcement personnel during enforcement operations. Assaulting a federal officer carries severe legal penalties under U.S. Code, which are likely to be pursued aggressively given the Attorney General’s public directive. This incident also highlights the complexities of maintaining public order while investigating officer-involved shootings, particularly when witness accounts and official reports diverge significantly. It is important to note that all individuals arrested in connection with these events, including the suspect accused of biting the agent, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
