Justified or Excessive? Leavitt defended federal agents in the Minneapolis incident.

Video Description

Conflict regarding the Minneapolis Shooting: Press Secretary Leavitt addressed the shooting of a protestor (identified as Alex Prey/Freddy) involving federal agents. The White House characterizes the incident as the result of "deliberate and hostile resistance" by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey against ICE operations. #JusticeForAlex #JusticeForFreddy #Mpls #FederalPolice #NewsUpdate #TrendingNews #Minneapolis #MinneapolisShooting #KarolineLeavitt #PressSecretary #AlexPrey #Freddy #FederalAgents #BreakingNews #PressBriefing #Protest #OfficerInvolvedShooting #CivilUnrest #WhiteHouse #Investigation • Ultimatum to Minnesota Leaders: President Trump has outlined three demands for Governor Walz to restore order: 1. Turn over all incarcerated criminal illegal aliens to federal authorities. 2. Local police must turn over arrested illegal aliens. 3. Local police must assist federal officials in apprehending wanted aliens. • Tom Homan Deployed: "Border Czar" Tom Homan plays a central role. Despite speculation, Leavitt clarified his deployment to Minnesota is not a sign of dissatisfaction with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem but a strategic move to facilitate cooperation with local police. • Emergency Disaster Declarations: President Trump approved 12 federal emergency disaster declarations in 24 hours due to a severe winter storm impacting states including AR, GA, KY, NC, and VA. • Support for Appropriations Bill: The White House explicitly supports the passing of the current bipartisan appropriations package to avoid a government shutdown, specifically citing the need to keep FEMA funded during the winter storm. ________________________________________ Short Notes & Briefing Details The Minneapolis Incident & Immigration • The Narrative: The WH argues that "left-wing agitators" are obstructing lawful law enforcement. Leavitt cited agents having fingers bitten off and being doxed. • Official Rhetoric: While officials like Steven Miller and Secretary Noem have labeled the deceased protestor a "domestic terrorist" or "assassin," Leavitt stated President Trump is waiting for the investigation (FBI/HSI) to conclude before using those labels. • Body Cameras: The Administration made no commitment to release body camera footage or mandate it for federal agents, deferring to policy investigations. • Sanctuary Cities: Trump is calling on Congress to pass legislation ending sanctuary cities entirely. Administration & Politics • "Cover-Up" Allegations: Trump’s social media posts alleging a "cover-up" in Minnesota refer to allegations of massive financial fraud and theft of taxpayer money in the state, implicating Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, rather than the shooting itself. • Selective Outrage: Leavitt pushed back on media comparisons between the Minneapolis shooting and the death of Ashli Babbitt, arguing the media ignores victims of "migrant crime" (mentioning Lake Riley and others). • Gun Rights: When asked about guns at protests, Leavitt affirmed 2nd Amendment rights but noted that bringing a weapon to a confrontation with law enforcement raises the "assumption of risk." • Upcoming Travel: President Trump travels to Des Moines, Iowa tomorrow to speak on the economy. Foreign Policy Updates • Russia/Ukraine: Negotiations are ongoing. Advisors Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Witoff held a multilateral meeting recently. There are no scheduled calls between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy this week. • Gaza/Israel: The last body of an Israeli hostage has been returned. A new "Board of Peace" involving 20+ countries has been established for the rebuilding of Gaza. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKBNaxsFV4hpGVc8QOUmsFg/join Defense Now | January 2026 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe95fdmDwNk8TAkbmuPiMHtezFlT0xowE&si=KbKT5CD8NZMx-11- Members-only videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOKBNaxsFV4hpGVc8QOUmsFg Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Jan. 26, 2026. Film Credits: White House Communications Agency