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Tricia McLaughlin, the Assistant Secretary for Homeland Security, took to social media on Saturday to reveal a shocking incident involving a federal law enforcement officer in Minneapolis. She posted an image showing the officer’s finger, which had been severed after an alleged attack by an anti-ICE protester.
“In Minneapolis, these rioters assaulted our law enforcement officer, and one of them bit off our HSI officer’s finger,” McLaughlin stated in her post. “Unfortunately, he will lose his finger.”
The post included images of two individuals who appeared to be in custody, though it remains unclear which of them is accused of the biting incident.
Further details about the assault have yet to be disclosed. This violent episode occurs amid heightened tensions and protests following the deaths of two U.S. citizens during recent immigration enforcement actions in the city.
Officials have confirmed that a protester is accused of biting off a federal agent’s finger during the unrest in Minnesota. (Credit: Tricia McLaughlin/X)
Hours before McLaughlin’s post, a Border Patrol agent was seen on video fatally shooting an armed man in Minneapolis amid a crowd of agitators.
The 37-year-old man, a U.S. citizen from Minneapolis, allegedly approached agents and then “violently resisted,” while armed with a 9mm pistol and two magazines, according to Homeland Security officials.
Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino said during a news conference on Saturday it “look[ed] like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.”
Officials said Minnesota anti-ICE protesters allegedly bit off the finger of a federal agent. (Tricia McLaughlin/X)
“About 200 rioters arrived at the scene and began to obstruct and assault law enforcement,” Bovino said. “We will not allow violence against our law enforcement officers, and we need state and local help. … [Minneapolis] Mayor [Jacob] Frey and [Minneapolis Police Department] Chief Brian O’Hara, just a few minutes ago, did the opposite of that by omitting the fact that the suspect had a gun and magazines full of ammunition.”
He reiterated that those who obstruct law enforcement are in violation of the law and will be arrested.
It is unclear who allegedly bit the agent’s finger off, though officials released photos of two potential suspects. (Tricia McLaughlin/X)
The Minnesota National Guard confirmed on Saturday that in addition to troops previously mobilized at the direction of Gov. Tim Walz, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office requested additional support and more soldiers will be brought in.
Guardsmen will provide security at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, and assist the Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other local agencies, if requested.