Crime
New development in Minneapolis shooting death of Alex Pretti
According to Bill Melugin, since the fatal shooting in Minnesota earlier this week, he has spoken with more than half a dozen federal officials involved in immigration enforcement, including several individuals in senior leadership roles.
These sources expressed growing unease and frustration with certain claims and narratives advanced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Specifically, multiple sources said there is significant dissatisfaction with DHS officials publicly asserting that the individual who was killed, Alex Pretti, intended to carry out a “massacre” of federal agents or sought to inflict “maximum damage.”
The sources noted that these claims continued even after multiple videos surfaced that appear to contradict that narrative.
While the sources acknowledged that Pretti’s decision to arrive armed and involve himself in an active federal law enforcement operation was a serious error, they said there is no evidence indicating he intended to attack or kill officers.
According to available video footage, Pretti does not appear to have drawn his holstered firearm.
Several sources described DHS’s public messaging following the shooting as severely damaging from both a public relations and internal morale standpoint, warning that it has eroded trust and credibility.
Some compared the situation to prior instances in which federal messaging was widely criticized as misleading, saying the response has undermined confidence among both the public and rank-and-file personnel.
One source characterized DHS’s handling of the incident as “a case study in how not to conduct crisis communications.” Others expressed deep frustration, with one saying the agency’s response has worsened the situation, and another stating that DHS’s approach is costing the agency support and control of the broader narrative.
According to these officials, many believe the incident may ultimately be classified as a “bad shoot,” describing it as a rapidly unfolding, chaotic situation in which agents may have heard a warning of a firearm, followed by a possible accidental discharge after the weapon was disarmed, prompting officers to fire.
The sources emphasized that agents were forced to make split-second decisions without the benefit of multiple camera angles or hindsight analysis.
While all of the sources said they support the broader immigration enforcement and mass deportation agenda, they expressed serious concerns about how operations are being conducted and how incidents are communicated publicly.
Several also noted frustration that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is frequently blamed for actions taken by U.S. Border Patrol, which operates as a separate agency.
Melugin said he reached out to DHS for comment regarding concerns that the agency’s rhetoric and public statements have damaged its credibility.
In response, DHS provided the following statement to Fox News:
“We have seen a highly coordinated campaign of violence against our law enforcement. This individual committed a federal crime while armed as he obstructed an active law enforcement operation. As with any situation that is evolving, we work to give swift, accurate information to the American people as more information becomes available.”
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.