Before sunrise Saturday, a routine law enforcement operation in south Minneapolis spiraled into a deadly confrontation and hours of unrest, leaving one man dead and a city on edge.
According to the New York Post, federal agents were in the area of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue carrying out what the Department of Homeland Security described as a “targeted operation” aimed at arresting an illegal immigrant wanted for violent assault.
During that effort, officials said, an unexpected and dangerous encounter unfolded.
According to DHS, “an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.” Agents tried to disarm the man, but the situation quickly escalated.
“The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted,” the statement said. “Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots.”
The man was struck and treated by medics at the scene but was pronounced dead, DHS said. Authorities reported that he was carrying two magazine clips and had no identification on him at the time.
“This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement,” federal officials said.
Video circulating on social media captured chaotic moments of the encounter. In the 39-second clip, several officers are seen grappling with someone on the sidewalk outside a donut shop when gunfire suddenly erupts. Officers then scatter as shots ring out.
A law enforcement source said the man had brandished a firearm with two magazines. A photo of the weapon was later shared with media outlets.
The shooting immediately drew a large and agitated crowd. Law enforcement deployed tear gas as protesters surged into the area, some throwing trash cans at an armored vehicle and shouting at federal officers.
“About 200 rioters arrived at the scene and began to obstruct and assault law enforcement on the scene, crowd control measures were deployed for the safety of the public and law enforcement,” DHS said.
City leaders urged calm as details emerged. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said authorities believed the man was a 37-year-old white male, a Minneapolis resident, and “we believe he is an American citizen.”
He later added that the man was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.
“We recognize that there’s a lot of anger and a lot of questions about what has happened, but we need people to remain peaceful,” O’Hara said.
Officials confirmed the man was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he later died. His name was not released.
As tensions continued to rise, city officials issued an early statement urging residents to avoid the area.
“We are aware of reports of another shooting involving federal law enforcement in the area of 26th Street W and Nicollet Ave. We are working to confirm additional details,” the statement said.
Protests swelled beyond 100 people and continued into the day. The incident followed heightened tensions in Minneapolis over federal law enforcement activity.
During a visit to the city earlier in the week, Vice President JD Vance said the Insurrection Act would not be needed “right now.” President Trump has previously said he would use the statute if necessary, stating, “If I needed it, I’d use it.”
Officials were expected to brief the public later Saturday as investigations continued.
