Tim Pool warns Minneapolis unrest is no longer limited to just riots
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.
🚨 JUST IN: Tim Pool says MINNEAPOLIS is no longer a “RIOT”… it’s turning into “TERRORISM” 🚨@Timcast: “This is not a protest. This is not a riot. These are political extremists, and it’s OVERT TERROR”
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) January 16, 2026
“We are at a whole NEW LEVEL. I used to go on the ground all the time…… pic.twitter.com/Wmfo3qH5Sc
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.”
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.
Minneapolis protestoes have now formed a defensive wall in the drive way of the federal building. pic.twitter.com/qZMRxQinvT
— Cam Higby 🇺🇸 (@camhigby) January 16, 2026
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.
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.
🚨BREAKING: Rioters are attempting to take down the fence on the back side of the Minneapolis federal building
— Cam Higby 🇺🇸 (@camhigby) January 16, 2026
Rioter says “We don’t have the numbers for this yet.”
DHS agents are standing at a distance behind the fence. STILL NO ARRESTS MADE. WOW. pic.twitter.com/Aj4gsMDTDA
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.
As law enforcement maintains a heightened presence, Pool’s warnings highlight growing concern that the situation could spiral further if underlying issues remain unresolved.