An illegal Venezuelan migrant was shot in the leg by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis after he allegedly fled during a traffic stop and beat the “ambushed” officer with a snow shovel Wednesday evening, the Department of Homeland Security said.
The suspect was behind the wheel when he tried to get away from federal immigration officers at around 6:50 p.m. local time, but he crashed into a parked car, according to DHS.
The migrant then tried to escape on foot and “violently assault[ed] the officer” as the two wrestled on the ground, according to an X post from the agency.
AP
While the man continued to struggle with the officer, two other people emerged from a nearby apartment and allegedly mercilessly attacked the agent with a snow shovel and broom handle, the department said.
In the chaos, the Venezuelan migrant was able to wriggle out of the officer’s hold and also allegedly started striking him “with a shovel or broom stick,” according to the post.
The officer, “fearing for his life,” shot the Venezuelan man in the leg, DHS said.
The wounded migrant and the two alleged attackers then fled into the apartment and barricaded themselves inside, according to the agency.
Federal agents were eventually able to get inside and apprehended all three individuals.
The officer and the injured suspect were both taken to a nearby hospital, and the two attackers were taken into custody, DHS said.
The department said that the suspect they were originally apprehending is an illegal immigrant who entered the US in 2022.
Multiple sources told the Minnesota Star Tribune earlier Wednesday evening that a series of gunshots rang out after a car chase that tore through part of the Twin Cities.
KARE reported that federal agents swarmed around North Lyndale Avenue and 25th Avenue, which is near a 21-acre park, just before 8 p.m. local time.
A photographer with the outlet observed at least one ambulance leaving the area.
Angry protesters later swarmed the shooting scene and began hurling fireworks at police officers, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said at a late-night press briefing.
Cops tossed tear gas canisters at the protesters in response.
“The crowd is engaging in unlawful acts,” O’Hara said.
“I urge anyone who is at the scene to leave immediately. This is already a very tense situation and we do not need this to escalate any further,” the chief added.
Mayor Jacob Frey also slammed the destructive protesters — claiming they were taking President Trump’s “bait.”
