• Top White House official acknowledges potential protocol violations in Minneapolis shooting incident
• Statement represents dramatic departure from administration’s previous defense of agents’ actions
• Miller reveals specific guidance existed requiring personnel separation during arrest operations

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (TDR) — White House senior adviser Stephen Miller acknowledged Tuesday that federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis may have violated established protocols, marking a significant reversal from the administration’s earlier stance on the controversial incident.

The statement represents the first time a senior administration official has suggested CBP agents may have acted improperly during the Minneapolis shooting that has sparked nationwide controversy and protests.

White House Reveals Specific Operational Guidelines

Miller’s statement to CNN outlined detailed protocols that should have governed the operation during which Pretti was killed.

“The White House provided clear guidance to DHS that the extra personnel that had been sent to Minnesota for force protection should be used for conducting fugitive operations to create a physical barrier between the arrest teams and the disruptors,” Miller said.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

The revelation indicates the administration had established specific force protection protocols designed to prevent exactly the type of confrontation that occurred. Miller’s acknowledgment that agents “may not have been following that protocol” suggests internal reviews have uncovered potential deviations from these guidelines.

Administration Evaluating Why Guidelines May Have Been Ignored

The White House is now conducting an evaluation to determine why Department of Homeland Security personnel potentially failed to adhere to the specified procedures.

“We are evaluating why the CBP team may not have been following that protocol,” Miller stated.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

This marks a dramatic shift from earlier administration statements that defended the agents’ actions as appropriate responses to threats. The change in messaging suggests internal investigations have revealed information contradicting initial accounts of the incident.

Political Implications of Policy Reversal

The acknowledgment of potential protocol violations comes as the administration faces mounting pressure from congressional Democrats and civil rights organizations demanding accountability for the shooting. Multiple lawmakers have called for independent investigations into the federal law enforcement response in Minneapolis.

Legal experts suggest Miller’s statement could have significant implications for any potential civil litigation stemming from Pretti’s death. By acknowledging agents may not have followed proper procedures, the administration may have undermined its own legal defense in anticipated wrongful death lawsuits.

Community Response and Ongoing Protests

Minneapolis community leaders who have demanded answers about the shooting say Miller’s admission validates their concerns about federal enforcement tactics in their city.

Local officials continue pressing for full transparency regarding the CBP deployment and the specific circumstances that led to the fatal encounter. Protesters have maintained daily demonstrations outside federal buildings demanding accountability and policy reforms.

Questions Remain About Investigation Timeline

The White House has not provided a timeline for completing its evaluation of why established protocols may have been disregarded. Administration officials have not indicated whether agents involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation’s outcome.

Will Miller’s acknowledgment of potential protocol violations lead to meaningful accountability for federal agents involved in the Minneapolis shooting?

Sources

This report was compiled using information from CNN’s reporting on Miller’s statement, official guidance from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, reporting by The Hill, The Washington Post, Reuters, and Star Tribune, and White House briefing statements.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10