Republicans Call for Noem's Resignation Following Minneapolis Shooting
Following the death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, some Republican lawmakers have joined Democrats in calling for Kristi Noem to step down as Secretary of Homeland Security. The calls for resignation come after Pretti, a 37-year-old VA nurse and legal gun owner, was killed by federal immigration enforcement agents.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) publicly criticized Noem's handling of the situation, stating, "What she's done in Minnesota should be disqualifying. She should be out of a job. I mean, really, it's just amateurish." Tillis, who is retiring, also said that Noem made President Trump look bad, diverting attention from his policies. He also criticized Greg Bovino, the senior commander from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) who oversaw mass immigration raids across the country, including in Minneapolis.
The circumstances surrounding Pretti's death are under scrutiny, with some questioning the official narrative. According to Vox, the Trump administration is accused of attempting to "sweep Alex Pretti's death under the rug."
The National Rifle Association (NRA) also issued a statement defending gun rights in the wake of the shooting. The NRA stated, "all law-abiding citizens have a right to keep and bear arms anywhere they have a legal right to be." This statement came after President Trump made remarks suggesting Pretti should not have been carrying a gun.
The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly investigating the killing, raising questions about the impartiality of the investigation, according to Vox.
The situation in Minneapolis has also sparked protests, with residents and anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement demonstrators expressing their outrage.
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