A fatal encounter involving Border Patrol agents in Minnesota has sparked sharp criticism from Sen. Rand Paul, who says the federal government’s response has badly damaged public confidence.
According to the New York Post, Paul, a Kentucky Republican, addressed the issue during an interview on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” focusing on the aftermath of the shooting death of Alex Pretti and how senior administration officials described the incident.
The senator said trust in the Trump administration has been eroded by statements made after the video of the shooting circulated online.
“It sounds like terrible judgment,” Paul said, referring to comments from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino. “I mean, terrible conclusions, incorrect conclusions, stating things that no one else believes. You can lie to your heart’s content if there’s no video. But the video doesn’t support what they’re saying.”
Those officials suggested Pretti had engaged in domestic terrorism or was attempting to cause “maximum damage,” claims Paul said were contradicted by the footage.
During the interview, correspondent Scott Pelley pressed Paul on the broader implications.
“You seem to be saying trust is broken,” Pelley said.
“Without question,” Paul replied.
Paul also raised doubts about whether the federal government could impartially investigate itself in the case, questioning the role of the FBI.
“I think, really, if it were an independent group outside of the federal government, it would be better, actually,” Paul said.
“You can lie to your heart’s content if there’s no video. But the video doesn’t support what they’re saying,” he added.
While condemning what he viewed as misleading statements from federal officials, Paul made clear he did not support violent or aggressive protest tactics aimed at law enforcement.
“If you were my son or daughter, would I tell you to spit on the police? Absolutely not. Would I tell you to yell and scream at them? No,” Paul said. “But is it illegal to protest? No.”
Paul also criticized Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, arguing that the mayor’s refusal to cooperate with federal authorities had worsened the situation and was “a significant part of the problem.”
At the same time, Paul said protesters targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were misguided in their approach.
“I would tell you to go to a primary and knock on doors, sign up people, and try to convince people, particularly in a primary, of who to vote for,” Paul said. “That is the way I would protest. But is it illegal to protest? No.”
The White House, responding to questions about the shooting, pointed to remarks from President Donald Trump expressing support for a formal investigation.
“We’re doing a big investigation. I want to see the investigation. I’m going to be watching over it. I want a very honorable and honest investigation — I have to see it myself,” Trump said.
Paul has since called for the leaders of ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to appear before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee later this month to testify about the incident and the government’s response.
