Crime
Woman shot in the face while fleeing ICE in Minneapolis
UPDATE: Today, ICE officers in Minneapolis were conducting targeted operations when rioters began blocking ICE officers and one of these violent rioters 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.
This is the direct consequence of constant attacks and demonization of our officers by sanctuary politicians who fuel and encourage rampant assaults on our law enforcement who are facing 1,300% increase in assaults against them and an 8,000% increase in death threats.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (South Minneapolis) — Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred Wednesday morning near 33rd Street and Portland Avenue, amid a large federal law enforcement presence connected to immigration enforcement activity in the area.
Multiple witnesses reported that a woman was shot during what appeared to be an encounter involving federal agents. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, where CPR was performed, and the injured woman was later transported by ambulance.
Her identity and condition have not been publicly released.
One resident, Emily Heller, who lives near the intersection, said she was awakened by a commotion outside her home.
Heller stated that she observed a vehicle stopped on Portland Avenue that appeared to be part of a protest or confrontation involving federal law enforcement.
According to Heller, agents she believed to be with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were instructing the driver of the vehicle, a woman, to leave the area.
“She was trying to turn around, and the ICE agent was in front of her car,” Heller said. “He pulled out a gun, put it right up on the hood of the car, and then reached across and shot her in the face three or four times.”
Heller said the woman’s vehicle then accelerated and traveled approximately 100 feet before striking a utility pole and several other vehicles.
She reported that the driver appeared slumped over inside the car after the crash.
Another witness near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue reported seeing CPR being performed on the injured woman before she was taken away in an ambulance.
A separate observer at the scene, Venus DeMars, said she went outside after hearing reports of law enforcement activity near Central Elementary School. DeMars stated that federal agents had reportedly detained parents who were dropping off a child at the school earlier in the morning.
“I live right here, so I came over to try to figure out what was going on,” DeMars said. “Later I heard someone had been shot and went to the intersection. I saw them doing CPR behind a snowbank for about a minute. Then the ambulances arrived and placed her on a stretcher.”
DeMars said she did not witness the shooting itself and could not confirm who fired the weapon or the exact circumstances.
She described the woman as white and said she appeared to be an observer or bystander, rather than someone being detained.
Officials acknowledged a shooting involving federal law enforcement near the intersection and urged the public to avoid the area as the scene was secured.
Numerous officers from multiple agencies were present, and large crowds and protesters began to gather nearby.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that his public safety team is aware of the incident and said the state is monitoring the situation.
“In the meantime, I ask folks to remain calm,” Walz said in a statement.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also addressed the incident, confirming the involvement of a federal immigration agent.
“The presence of federal immigration enforcement agents is causing chaos in our city,” Frey said. “We are demanding that ICE leave the city immediately. We stand firmly with our immigrant and refugee communities.”
Witnesses and officials reported that U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino was present at the scene along with other federal agents.
At this time, authorities have not released official findings regarding who fired the shots, the precise sequence of events, or whether any body-camera or surveillance footage is under review.
The incident remains under active investigation, and additional information is expected to be provided as it becomes available.
Crime
19-year-old Brianna killed in Lincoln shooting, suspect Tyler Benzel charged with first-degree murder
LINCOLN, Neb. — Lincoln police have released additional information about a fatal shooting Tuesday evening that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman identified as Brianna.
Authorities have identified 37-year-old Tyler Benzel as the suspect in the shooting. According to Lancaster County Jail records, Benzel has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death.
According to Lincoln police, the incident began with a verbal and physical altercation involving Benzel’s wife, Brianna and other individuals.
Investigators said they believe the confrontation was initiated by Benzel’s wife. Police said Benzel later left his residence and approached the group.
Authorities allege that Benzel told the individuals to leave and made verbal threats before raising a firearm and firing at the group. Police said the confrontation and shooting took place away from Benzel’s property.
Officers arrived at the scene within moments and found Brianna suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical treatment at the scene. Brianna was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Police recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene. However, investigators said forensic testing is still required to determine whether the recovered firearm was the weapon used in the shooting.
Authorities said they are not currently aware of any other weapons being involved in the incident.
Police said Benzel was cooperative when officers arrived at the scene. Authorities also said Benzel and his wife did not know Brianna or the other individuals involved before the altercation.
Benzel’s wife has not been arrested or charged in connection with the shooting at this time.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence, including forensic testing of the recovered firearm.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Benzel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.