In a late afternoon announcement on Monday, Hilton Hotels clarified that the establishment accused of refusing accommodation to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers is independently owned and has issued an apology for its staff’s actions.

In response to the report by Breitbart News earlier that day, which detailed allegations from DHS about being denied lodging at a Hilton location in the Minneapolis area, Hilton Hotels emphasized the hotel involved operates independently.

DHS officers were present in Minneapolis to investigate multiple claims of fraudulent federal fund usage. The scrutiny surrounding these issues coincided with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s (D) decision to withdraw from his re-election campaign on Monday morning.

On Monday morning, Breitbart News reported DHS’s allegations that Hilton Hotels were denying rooms to Department of Homeland Security officers in the Minneapolis area. Hilton Hotels responded to the DHS by saying the hotel in question was independently owned.

AWR Hawkins, a renowned columnist for Breitbart News specializing in Second Amendment topics, also contributes to “Down Range with AWR Hawkins,” a weekly newsletter covering Second Amendment issues. Hawkins serves as a political analyst for Armed American Radio and holds a PhD in Military History. His areas of expertise include the Vietnam War, specifically the brown water navy, the U.S. Navy’s history, the Civil War, and Early Modern Europe. Follow him on Instagram at @awr_hawkins. To subscribe to “Down Range,” visit breitbart.com/downrange. For direct inquiries, reach him at awrhawkins@breitbart.com.

Hilton hotels serve as welcoming places for all. This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values. We are investigating this matter with this individual hotel, and can confirm that Hilton works with governments, law enforcement, and community leaders around the world to ensure our properties are open and inviting to everyone.

DHS officers are in the Minneapolis area following up on the numerous allegations of fraudulent uses of federal funds. On Monday morning, amid growing pressure and scrutiny, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) abandoned his pursuit of re-election.