Fox News host Sean Hannity, a close ally of President Donald Trump, challenged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday night over her description of Alex Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” after the fatal shooting of the 37-year-old ICU nurse by immigration enforcement agents in Minnesota. Hannity questioned whether it was “premature” to label Pretti a terrorist, given that video evidence contradicted initial claims that he posed an immediate threat.
The confrontation came as Noem faces mounting criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans over her handling of the incident, with calls for her impeachment and firing. The shooting occurred during a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration crackdown, and Pretti, a US citizen, was disarmed before being shot 10 times. DHS initially stated that Pretti approached agents with a handgun, but videos showed the weapon may have been removed before the shooting.
During the interview, Hannity noted that DHS’s early account might have been inaccurate, asking Noem if the department’s statement was “premature.” Noem deflected, blaming the “chaotic” situation and saying DHS relied on “the best information we had at the time.” She also faced questions about her repeated use of the term “domestic terrorism” for Pretti and another recent victim, Renee Good, who was shot after driving into an ICE officer.
Hannity pressed Noem on why she used the “domestic terrorism” label for Pretti, suggesting it was less clear-cut than the Good case. Noem again sidestepped, saying the FBI investigation would determine the appropriate terminology, and deflected blame onto the Biden administration for border policies. The exchange highlighted growing tensions within the Trump administration over Noem’s role, as she has been sidelined in Minnesota operations by border czar Tom Homan.
