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Public disputes concerning political parties, public officials, institutions, political conduct, and governance in the United States.
Counts show individual statements. They do not assign an overall position.
2 statements on this page. Dates: September 18, 2025 to January 24, 2026
2 matching statements. Dates: September 18, 2025 to January 24, 2026
2 published statements. Dates: September 18, 2025 to January 24, 2026
2 published statements. Dates: September 18, 2025 to January 24, 2026
2 statements on this page. Dates: September 18, 2025 to January 24, 2026
Role at the time: U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
Statement summary
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem told reporters at a January 24, 2026 press conference that Pretti impeded federal law enforcement operations and attacked officers, framing the shooting as a response to an assault.
“impeded their law enforcement operations, attacked those officers”
Poynter fact-check quoting DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's January 24, 2026 press conference statement that Pretti used his weapon to assault law enforcement officers, set against the outlet's review of bystander video.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Noem characterizes Pretti as the aggressor who attacked and impeded officers, which excuses the agents' decision to fire rather than evaluating whether the force used was proportionate to any threat he actually posed.
Role at the time: U.S. secretary of homeland security
Statement summary
Noem said the agent’s life had been endangered and that he suffered serious injuries during the encounter.
“His life was put at risk and he sustained serious injuries.”
Associated Press report based on police body-camera footage and interviews, including positions from ICE official Marcos Charles, Secretary Kristi Noem and Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)She reinforces the imminent-threat premise used to justify the agent’s decision to fire.
