The White House has distanced itself from initial characterisations of Alex Pretti, the man fatally shot by federal agents in Minnesota, after video footage contradicted claims that he was a gunman. Senior officials, including Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem, had labelled Pretti a domestic terrorist, but footage showed he was shot in the back after being tackled and disarmed.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sidestepped questions on Monday, stating the administration would await investigation results. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also backtracked, saying officials did not intend to equate the incident with legal definitions of domestic terrorism.
President Donald Trump, who had blamed Governor Tim Walz for the death, later said he had a productive call with Walz, agreeing to consider reducing federal agents in Minnesota and allowing state investigators to conduct an independent probe. Trump also announced he would send border czar Tom Homan to oversee operations in Minneapolis.
The shift comes amid a backlash against federal tactics, with Republicans on Capitol Hill expressing concern. Officials privately described the shooting as an unintentional error by agents who feared an accidental discharge of Pretti's gun after it was seized.
