'Horrifying situation': Some Republicans retreat following Minneapolis shooting of anti-ICE agitator



Several Republican lawmakers are sounding the alarm following another shooting in Minnesota.

Anti-ICE agitator Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis on Saturday, with the Department of Homeland Security saying he "violently resisted" when agents attempted to disarm him. This is the second fatal shooting of an anti-ICE agitator in Minnesota. Renee Good was shot earlier this month after turning her car and accelerating toward an agent.

'The killing yesterday ... should raise serious questions.'

Administration officials like DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and top adviser Stephen Miller have branded Pretti a "would-be assassin" who committed acts of "domestic terrorism."

This comes after weeks of mob violence, theft, and property destruction in response to ICE presence in Minneapolis. These often coordinated acts are indiscriminately aimed at federal agents conducting lawful operations. The protesters are also threatening journalists simply exposing their violent tactics and even intimidating local churchgoers.

While the investigation continues, some Republican senators and representatives have made an effort to distance themselves from what they called a "horrifying situation."

RELATED: Democrats threaten to shut down government over ICE funding: 'We are not powerless'

Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Several senators who are known to buck the Trump administration came out with critical statements following the shooting, citing claims that conflict with DHS' narrative.

"The tragedy and chaos the country is witnessing in Minneapolis is shocking," Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said in a post on X. "The killing yesterday of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, by ICE agents should raise serious questions within the administration about the adequacy of immigration-enforcement training and the instructions officers are given on carrying out their mission."

"Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American — especially, as video footage appears to show, after the victim had been disarmed," Murkowski said. "A comprehensive, independent investigation of the shooting must be conducted in order to rebuild trust and Congressional committees need to hold hearings and do their oversight work. ICE agents do not have carte blanche in carrying out their duties."

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who is notably retiring, said officials jumping to conclusions could risk tarnishing President Donald Trump's legacy.

"There must be a thorough and impartial investigation into yesterday's Minneapolis shooting, which is the basic standard that law enforcement and the American people expect following any officer-involved shooting," Tillis said in a post on X. "For this specific incident, that requires cooperation and transparency between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump's legacy."

RELATED: DHS: Armed suspect fatally shot by federal agent in Minneapolis; suspect 'violently resisted' disarming attempt

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Other senators who have otherwise supported the administration also expressed skepticism after the shooting, calling for a thorough investigation.

"The nation witnessed a horrifying situation this weekend," Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska said in a post on X. "My prayers are with the family of Alex Pretti."

"My support for funding ICE remains the same. Enforcing our immigration laws makes our streets safer," Ricketts clarified ahead of a major Senate vote on DHS funding. "It also protects our national security. But we must also maintain our core values as a nation, including the right to protest and assemble. I expect a prioritized, transparent investigation into this incident."

Ricketts' Republican colleague Sen. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania echoed a criticism put forth by the National Rifle Association, saying Pretti was lawfully exercising his right to carry a firearm.

"As I have often said, I support the Border Patrol, ICE, and the critical work they do to enforce our laws," McCormick said in a post on X. "Irresponsible rhetoric and a lack of cooperation from Minnesota's politicians are fueling a dangerous situation. I also agree with the NRA and others — we need a full investigation into the tragedy in Minneapolis. We need all the facts. We must enforce our laws in a way that protects the public while maintaining its trust. This gives our law enforcement officers the best chance to succeed in their difficult mission."

RELATED: Vance crushes false narrative about ICE 'arresting' 5-year-old boy

Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images

While several Republicans remained critical, others like Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma came in defense of the Trump administration, suggesting protesters had crossed the line into obstructing law enforcement.

"Law-abiding citizens have every right to carry a firearm," Mullin said in a post on X. "You DO NOT have a right to obstruct law enforcement activity, or commit another felony with one. This is not difficult."

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UPenn Provost Resigns After Boosting Social Media Post Likening Charlie Kirk to ‘Hitler Youth’

The left-wing climate scientist and political activist Michael Mann resigned on Tuesday from his post as vice provost at the University of Pennsylvania. Mann stirred up controversy repeatedly over the past several months, most recently when he shared a social media post that compared Charlie Kirk to a member of the "Hitler Youth." Mann will remain at the university as a professor and the director of its Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media.

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McCormick, Fetterman Unveil Bill To Move Office That Manages America's Oil Reserves From DC to Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania's two senators are joining forces in an attempt to relocate the Department of Energy's fossil fuel office to Pittsburgh, a blue-collar city with a rich manufacturing and energy legacy, the Washington Free Beacon has learned. Sens. Dave McCormick (R.) and John Fetterman (D.) introduced legislation Thursday that would move the Energy Department's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management to the Steel City, an action the lawmakers say would bring federal officials closer to the industries and people they regulate. The bill would impact the office's entire 750-person staff and mandate that the relocation takes place within 12 months.

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John Fetterman Really Doesn’t Like Showing Up To Work On Mondays

'Those votes that I've missed are on Monday'

Republicans presented with Senate pickup opportunity as Democrat announces retirement



Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire announced Wednesday that she would not seek re-election in 2026, giving Republicans another opportunity to grow their Senate majority.

Shaheen has served in the Senate since 2009, flipping the previously red seat blue. Shaheen had also previously served as governor and in the state Senate.

'New Hampshire has a proud tradition of electing common-sense Republicans—and will do so again in 2026!'

"Today, after careful consideration, I'm announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek re-election to the Senate in 2026," Shaheen said in a statement Wednesday. "There are urgent challenges ahead, both here at home and around the world. And while I'm not seeking re-election — believe me — I am not retiring."

Although both Senate seats have been held by Democrats for the last few elections, New Hampshire has elected Republican governors since 2016, and Republicans have held on to a majority in the state Senate. Given the strong Republican voting presence in the state, the GOP has the opportunity to flip another key Senate seat.

"Another one!" Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina said in a statement Wednesday. "Shaheen's retirement is welcome news for Granite Staters eager for new leadership. New Hampshire has a proud tradition of electing common-sense Republicans—and will do so again in 2026!"

Republicans flipped four Democrat-held Senate seats in 2024, electing Republican Sens. Tim Sheehy of Montana, Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, Bernie Moreno of Ohio, and Jim Justice of West Virginia. This leaves Republicans with a comfortable 53-seat majority to work with.

There has also been some speculation about a potential senatorial run by Republican former Gov. Chris Sununu. Although Sununu has been a past critic of President Donald Trump, he has since warmed up to the party leader and even endorsed him in 2024.

“I have not ruled it out completely, but folks in Washington have asked me to think about it and to consider it, and that is just kind of where I am,” Sununu told the New Hampshire Journal on Tuesday.

“I like getting stuff done,” Sununu said. “I don’t think they could handle me down there. I’d be like a lion in a cage.”

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Bob Casey Cries Uncle, Ending U.S. Senate Race Recount In Pennsylvania

Casey finally admitted defeat Thursday evening in a sober video posted on social media.

Democrat Bob Casey finally concedes Senate election to McCormick after trying to count illegal votes in Pennsylvania



The contentious campaign for one of Pennsylvania's seats in the U.S. Senate is finally over after Democratic incumbent Bob Casey called Republican challenger Dave McCormick to concede.

Republicans accused election officials in several Pennsylvania counties of trying to subvert the election by illegally counting votes in the recount. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court sided with Republicans, but some officials indicated that they would ignore the ruling and continue.

'When a Pennsylvanian takes the time to cast a legal vote, often waiting in long lines and taking time away from their work and family, they deserve to know that their vote will count. That’s democracy.'

On Thursday, 16 days since Election Day, Casey conceded the election.

"I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate. As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last," he said in a video posted to social media.

McCormick issued a brief response.

"Senator Bob Casey dedicated his career to bettering our commonwealth. Dina and I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Senator Casey, Terese, and their family for their decades of service, hard work, and personal sacrifice," he said.

The official count of votes gave McCormick a lead of about 16,000 votes over Casey, which added up to a margin of just under .5%. That narrowly fell within the cut-off point for a recount, though critics said it was unlikely to overturn the official results given historical trends.

"When a Pennsylvanian takes the time to cast a legal vote, often waiting in long lines and taking time away from their work and family, they deserve to know that their vote will count. That’s democracy," Casey concluded.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee had called Casey's attorney in the matter a "scumbag" as the controversy continued.

The seat will give Republicans a 53-47 majority in the next session of the U.S. Senate.

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Casey Strikes Out on Recount

Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) conceded to Republican challenger Dave McCormick, cementing an election result that the Associated Press called three weeks ago but Casey refused to acknowledge.

"I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate," Casey said in a Thursday evening statement. "As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or last."

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Bob Casey Concedes To Dave McCormick

'Congratulate him'

Bob Casey Picks Up Just Four Votes After First Wave of Recounts, McCormick Campaign Says

Sen. Bob Casey (D.), who trailed Republican Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania by tens of thousands of votes going into a state-mandated recount this week, picked up just four votes in the counties that have finished the recount process so far, according to the McCormick campaign.

The post Bob Casey Picks Up Just Four Votes After First Wave of Recounts, McCormick Campaign Says appeared first on .