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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz denied the Department of Homeland Security's claim that a woman was shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers after she attempted to strike them with her vehicle, confirming that he's personally seen footage of the incident.
"I’ve seen the video. Don’t believe this propaganda machine. The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice," Walz wrote on his X account Wednesday (January 7).
The DHS claimed the shooting stemmed from an incident in which rioters blocked ICE officers and escalated when they "weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them—an act of domestic terrorism."
"An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers. The alleged perpetrator was hit and is deceased. The ICE officers who were hurt are expected to make full recoveries," the DHS said in its statement.
Walz had previously confirmed that an investigation into the incident was ongoing.
"My public safety team is working to gather information on an ICE related shooting this morning. We will share information as we learn more. In the meantime, I ask folks to remain calm," Walz said.
Witnesses told KARE 11 that the woman was attempting to flee from ICE agents at the time of the fatal shooting, contradicting the Department of Homeland Security's claim. A burgundy SUV was seen with a bullet hole through the driver's side windshield and had smashed into a light pole at the scene.
The Department of Homeland Security claimed that the situation was "evolving" and said it would "give the public more information as soon as it becomes available."