Minnesota Shooting Raises Policing Concerns as Bitter Cold and Super Bowl Drama Shape the Day
Experts Question Training After Minneapolis Shooting
The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has reignited serious questions about how immigration enforcement officers are trained to handle protests. Several policing experts say the available video raises troubling issues, with some calling the shooting unjustified. One expert went as far as to describe it as murder. Others urged caution, saying a full judgment depends on understanding what threat the agent believed he faced in that moment.
Tom Nolan, a former Boston police commander and criminology professor, said the federal officers involved appeared overwhelmed and inexperienced. He added that the situation reflected deeper problems in preparation and oversight. Nolan previously advised the Department of Homeland Security on civil rights matters.
Whether the killing will receive an independent investigation remains unclear. The Trump administration has publicly defended the Border Patrol agent who fired the shots, at times disputing what appears in video footage. President Donald Trump said the administration is reviewing all aspects of the case.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that her department would lead the investigation. That decision is unusual, as the FBI typically takes the lead in cases like this. Minnesota state investigators said they were denied access to the scene, even though they had a warrant.
Political fallout has followed quickly. Senate Democrats are discussing strategies tied to the DHS funding bill, with a focus on restraining and reforming ICE. Meanwhile, 120 lawmakers have signed onto an impeachment resolution against Noem. Some pro gun rights Republicans have also challenged the administration’s claim that Pretti was dangerous simply because he legally carried a firearm.
Deadly Winter Storm Brings Record Breaking Cold
At the same time, a powerful winter storm has left at least seven people dead and knocked out power to more than one million homes. While the worst snowfall is moving offshore, much of the country now faces dangerously cold air.
Snow showers are lingering across the Northeast, while lake effect snow continues near the Great Lakes. Behind the storm, arctic air is settling in across large parts of the country. Temperatures between minus 10 and minus 20 degrees are expected in the northern Plains and upper Midwest.
Forecasters warn that record low temperatures are possible from the Southern Plains to the lower Mississippi Valley and parts of the mid Atlantic through tomorrow morning.
Seahawks and Patriots Set for Super Bowl 60
Amid the heavy news, the NFL delivered high drama. The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots advanced to Super Bowl 60, setting up a rematch of their 2015 showdown.
Seattle earned its spot with a thrilling 31 to 27 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns in a back and forth battle with Matthew Stafford.
New England advanced with a gritty 10 to 7 win over the Denver Broncos in a snow filled game. Drake Maye threw for just 86 yards but made key runs that sealed the victory. It marks the Patriots’ 10th Super Bowl appearance this century and their first without Tom Brady and Bill Belichick since 1997.Experts Question Training After Minneapolis Shooting
The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has reignited serious questions about how immigration enforcement officers are trained to handle protests. Several policing experts say the available video raises troubling issues, with some calling the shooting unjustified. One expert went as far as to describe it as murder. Others urged caution, saying a full judgment depends on understanding what threat the agent believed he faced in that moment.
Tom Nolan, a former Boston police commander and criminology professor, said the federal officers involved appeared overwhelmed and inexperienced. He added that the situation reflected deeper problems in preparation and oversight. Nolan previously advised the Department of Homeland Security on civil rights matters.
Whether the killing will receive an independent investigation remains unclear. The Trump administration has publicly defended the Border Patrol agent who fired the shots, at times disputing what appears in video footage. President Donald Trump said the administration is reviewing all aspects of the case.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that her department would lead the investigation. That decision is unusual, as the FBI typically takes the lead in cases like this. Minnesota state investigators said they were denied access to the scene, even though they had a warrant.
Political fallout has followed quickly. Senate Democrats are discussing strategies tied to the DHS funding bill, with a focus on restraining and reforming ICE. Meanwhile, 120 lawmakers have signed onto an impeachment resolution against Noem. Some pro gun rights Republicans have also challenged the administration’s claim that Pretti was dangerous simply because he legally carried a firearm.
Deadly Winter Storm Brings Record Breaking Cold
At the same time, a powerful winter storm has left at least seven people dead and knocked out power to more than one million homes. While the worst snowfall is moving offshore, much of the country now faces dangerously cold air.
Snow showers are lingering across the Northeast, while lake effect snow continues near the Great Lakes. Behind the storm, arctic air is settling in across large parts of the country. Temperatures between minus 10 and minus 20 degrees are expected in the northern Plains and upper Midwest.
Forecasters warn that record low temperatures are possible from the Southern Plains to the lower Mississippi Valley and parts of the mid Atlantic through tomorrow morning.
Seahawks and Patriots Set for Super Bowl 60
Amid the heavy news, the NFL delivered high drama. The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots advanced to Super Bowl 60, setting up a rematch of their 2015 showdown.
Seattle earned its spot with a thrilling 31 to 27 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns in a back and forth battle with Matthew Stafford.
New England advanced with a gritty 10 to 7 win over the Denver Broncos in a snow filled game. Drake Maye threw for just 86 yards but made key runs that sealed the victory. It marks the Patriots’ 10th Super Bowl appearance this century and their first without Tom Brady and Bill Belichick since 1997.
