Tim Pool warns Minneapolis unrest is no longer limited to just riots

'I fear it will get worse,' Tim Pool said, suggesting that escalating rhetoric and increasingly aggressive actions could fuel more violence
PUBLISHED JAN 16, 2026
Tim Pool told Jesse Watters that the developments in Minneapolis mark a sharp and alarming escalation (@JesseBWatters/X, AP Photo/John Locher)
Tim Pool told Jesse Watters that the developments in Minneapolis mark a sharp and alarming escalation (@JesseBWatters/X, AP Photo/John Locher)

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Political commentator Tim Pool warned that unrest in Minneapolis has escalated beyond protests and riots, describing the situation as “te**orism” during a recent interview with Fox News host Jesse Watters.

Speaking candidly about the confrontations unfolding in the city, Pool said what is currently taking place represents a new and dangerous phase of political extremism — one he claims surpasses anything he has personally witnessed while reporting from protest zones in the past.



Tim Pool warns of increasing political extremism

Pool, who has previously covered protests and riots on the ground across the United States, told Watters that the developments in Minneapolis mark a sharp and alarming escalation.

He emphasized that while cities have seen destruction before, the nature of the current actions signals something far more severe.

“We are at a whole new level,” Pool said. “I used to go on the ground all the time. I’ve never seen this level of extremism.”

Federal immigration officers confront protesters outside Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Federal immigration officers confront protesters outside Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Minneapolis (AP Photo/Adam Gray)

According to Pool, past unrest often involved vandalism or sporadic violence, but the situation in Minneapolis has moved into uncharted territory.

He pointed to reports of firebombs, broken windows, and attacks on federal property as evidence that the unrest has grown more organized and aggressive.

“We’ve seen firebombs, broken windows,” he said, before highlighting what he described as an especially troubling development: “But to ransack federal vehicles and steal their weapons?”

Pool suggested that such actions reflect planning and intent that go beyond spontaneous protest behavior, arguing that the theft of weapons from federal authorities represents a serious national security concern.



Tim Pool fears things might get worse

During the interview, Pool also raised concerns about how many people are encouraging civilians unprepared to directly confront federal law enforcement officers during active operations.

“The extremists are advocating that these middle-aged women show up to federal law enforcement operations,” the commentator said, criticizing what he sees as reckless encouragement of civilians to place themselves in dangerous situations.

He argued that this dynamic has contributed to heightened tension and fear among federal officers operating in the city, particularly those involved in ICE operations.

“And they are wondering why these ICE agents are apprehensive and armed with lethal munitions,” Pool said.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 14: Federal agents guard a perimeter following a shooting incident as angry residents protest their presence in the city on January 14, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to reports, a federal agent shot a Venezuelan man who was resisting arrest. The Trump administration has sent a reported 2,000 federal plus federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. The Trump administration has sent a reported 2,000 federal plus federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Federal agents guard a perimeter following a shooting incident as angry residents protest their presence in the city on January 14, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

According to Pool, federal agents are increasingly on edge due to the unpredictability of crowds and the potential for violence, especially when individuals attempt to interfere with law enforcement activity without understanding the risks involved.

Pool expressed concern that civilians being drawn into confrontations with armed federal officers may not fully grasp the gravity of the situation or the potential consequences.

“They are not prepared for this,” he said, warning that the conditions could deteriorate further if current tactics continue.

“I fear it will get worse,” Pool added, suggesting that escalating rhetoric and increasingly aggressive actions could fuel more violence rather than de-escalation.

Throughout the interview, Pool framed the unrest as part of a broader pattern of political radicalization, arguing that labeling the violence as mere protest or even rioting minimizes the seriousness of what is unfolding.



Minneapolis remains a flashpoint

Minneapolis has repeatedly emerged as a focal point in national conversations about policing, federal authority, and protest movements ever since the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent.

The city has experienced waves of demonstrations, some of which escalated into property damage and confrontations with law enforcement.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 07: Members of law enforcement work the scene following a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on January 07, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent,
Members of law enforcement work the scene following a shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

As law enforcement maintains a heightened presence, Pool’s warnings highlight growing concern that the situation could spiral further if underlying issues remain unresolved.

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