Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino defended his agents in Minneapolis on Saturday, stating that a man shot and killed by federal officers earlier that morning was armed with a handgun and two loaded magazines, intending to “massacre law enforcement.”
The shooting has sparked a fierce standoff between state and federal officials, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz demanding the President immediately remove federal agents from the state.
Speaking at a press conference, Bovino said the incident occurred at 9:05 a.m. while Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers were conducting a targeted operation to arrest Jose Huerta Chuma. Bovino identified Chuma as an undocumented immigrant with a criminal history that includes domestic assault aimed at inflicting bodily harm, disorderly conduct, and driving without a valid license.
READ: ‘Minnesota Has Had It’: Governor Demands Federal Agents Leave After Saturday Shooting
According to Bovino, while agents were focused on the operation, a different individual approached them brandishing a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
Agents attempted to disarm the man, but he reportedly resisted violently. Fearing for his life and the safety of his team, a Border Patrol agent fired defensive shots. The agent involved is described as an eight-year veteran of the force with extensive training as a range safety officer.
Medics provided aid immediately, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Bovino noted the suspect carried no identification but had two extra magazines full of ammunition.
“This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement,” Bovino said.
The situation on the ground remains volatile. DHS officials reported that roughly 200 “rioters” arrived shortly after the shooting, assaulting officers and obstructing the scene, which led agents to use crowd control measures.
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Bovino pushed back against local leadership, criticizing Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara for omitting details about the suspect’s weaponry in their initial comments. He also highlighted that federal agents have faced constant threats, including over 100 vehicle rammings nationwide in the past year.
Governor Walz, however, sees the violence differently. This shooting comes just 17 days after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis. Upon hearing of Saturday’s incident, Walz contacted the White House and issued a blistering statement online.
“Minnesota has had it. This is sickening,” Walz wrote. “The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now.”
While Walz calls for a withdrawal, Bovino called for support, urging the public to stand with the “brave men and women” of federal law enforcement who he says are under attack. “The law does not enforce itself,” Bovino stated. “It takes men and women who are willing to risk their lives to enforce it.”
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