Federal agents involved in shooting in Minneapolis

A federal law enforcement officer fired shots during an arrest attempt in Minneapolis on Wednesday evening, authorities said. The suspect and an officer were hospitalized.

The City of Minneapolis said in a social media post on Wednesday evening that it was aware of reports of a shooting involving federal law enforcement in North Minneapolis, adding, “We are working to confirm additional details.”

In a statement released later Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DJS) said the incident occurred at about 6:50 p.m. local time while federal officers were conducting what it described as a targeted traffic stop of a Venezuelan national.

According to DHS, the individual fled the scene in a vehicle and crashed into a parked car before running on foot. DHS said an officer caught up to the suspect and attempted to take him into custody, at which point the individual allegedly resisted and assaulted the officer.

DHS said two additional people then emerged from a nearby apartment and joined the altercation, allegedly striking the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. During the struggle, DHS said the original suspect broke free and also began striking the officer with one of the objects.

The officer fired what DHS described as “defensive shots,” striking the suspect in the leg. DHS said all three individuals ran back into the apartment and barricaded themselves inside before later being taken into custody.

DHS said both the officer and the suspect who was shot were hospitalized. The conditions of those involved were not immediately released by officials.

The reported incident comes as Minneapolis continues to grapple with community unrest and protests following the January 7 fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an ICE agent.

State and local officials have sued the Department of Homeland Security, saying an unwarranted surge of federal agents in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other communities has strained local law enforcement resources and negatively affected public safety, education, and commerce.

DHS, in its statement, criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing state and city leaders of encouraging resistance to federal law enforcement.