Senator Lankford Defends Noem Amid Probe into Minneapolis ICU Nurse’s Fatal Shooting
An undated handout image of Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by U.S. immigration agents as they tried to detain him in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., obtained by Reuters on January 25, 2026. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN CROPPED BY REUTERS FROM THE ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH AS TO NOT IDENTIFY THE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE PHOTOGRAPH.
U.S. Senator James Lankford has reaffirmed his support for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the federal investigation into the shooting death of Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti, which involved federal law enforcement agents.
Lankford described the situation as “unfortunate” during a recent appearance and emphasized that President Donald Trump’s demand for an honest and honorable investigation is the right approach.
“The circumstances warrant scrutiny,” Lankford stated, noting that such incidents are particularly alarming when a weapon is drawn and discharged, resulting in death. He pointed to two instances where Americans were shot by federal law enforcement.
The senator called for transparency, urging that the findings of the investigation be made public to ensure everyone involved understands the facts.
Lankford contrasted the handling of protests in Minnesota with Illinois, where local law enforcement intervened to protect federal agents from violent demonstrators. In Minnesota, he said, “Local law enforcement stood back and said they would not do anything in a situation that is clearly out of hand.” He noted that after protesters attempted to intimidate U.S. Border Patrol leadership at a hotel, local authorities arrested individuals for rioting.
Lankford also addressed potential government shutdowns as Democrats threaten to withhold funding for the Department of Homeland Security related to the deaths of Alex Pretti and another protester, Renee Good. He expressed his desire to avoid such shutdowns, stating they harm the economy and create unnecessary Washington drama.
The senator is working with House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington on legislation to keep the government open while requiring Congress to remain in session seven days a week until funding is secured.
