Border Patrol kills armed suspect in Minneapolis, sparking riots and legal clash
Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: A US Border Patrol agent shot and killed an armed individual in Minneapolis on Saturday morning, sparking unrest and a clash between local and federal authorities. Fox News reported that the incident occurred near East 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue during a federal enforcement operation.
A US government source said the suspect was carrying a handgun and two loaded magazines, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Fox News the shooting occurred at 9:05 am CT while agents were attempting to locate an “illegal alien wanted for violent assault.”
Suspect armed with gun and two magazines
At 9:05 AM CT, as DHS law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault, an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, seen here.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 24, 2026
The officers attempted to… pic.twitter.com/5Y50mYONGH
According to DHS, an individual approached agents during the operation with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. “Suspect had a firearm with two magazines,” a source told Fox News, alongside an image of the weapon.
Federal officials said agents attempted to disarm the man, but he “violently resisted.” An agent then fired in what DHS described as a defensive response to an imminent threat.
Emergency aid was given, but the individual was pronounced dead at the scene. DHS officials noted the suspect had no identification and appeared intent on harming law enforcement.
Rioters obstruct officers at shooting scene
Armored vehicle entering the scene near the shooting , the crowd tries to block the vehicle as protesters throw objects at the vehicle @DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/j4NFx9iVu8
— Jorge Ventura Media (@VenturaReport) January 24, 2026
Authorities said the situation escalated rapidly after the shooting. DHS reported that roughly 200 people converged on the intersection and began to “obstruct and assault law enforcement.”
Crowd-control measures were deployed to stabilize the scene and protect officers and bystanders. The Minneapolis Police Department urged the public to remain calm and avoid the area while details were verified. Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara were expected to address the incident later Saturday.
Prosecutor demands state access to evidence
The scene must be secured by local law enforcement for preservation of evidence. We expect the federal government to allow the BCA to process the scene.
— Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty (@HennepinAtty) January 24, 2026
Please submit video from the scene here: https://t.co/ne4Hf2xPLn
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty issued a pointed statement asserting state authority over the investigation. “The scene must be secured by local law enforcement for the collection and preservation of evidence,” Moriarty said. “We expect the federal government to allow the BCA to process the scene.”
Her comments follow tension in a recent federal shooting case in which state officials said they were excluded. Moriarty’s office asked the public to submit photos or videos to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to assist investigators.
Targeted operation against violent assault suspect
DHS confirmed that agents were in the neighborhood for a specific mission. The federal presence was part of a “targeted operation” aimed at apprehending a suspect wanted for violent assault when the confrontation unfolded.
“This situation is evolving, and more information is forthcoming,” DHS said. While the operation focused on an undocumented suspect, officials have not confirmed whether the deceased armed individual was the original target, citing the absence of identification.
