See below for reactions from Virginia leaders to the latest from Minneapolis – as Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA07) calls it, correctly, “a fucking execution by armed thugs.” As Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA11) says, “They must be reined in and held accountable.” As Sen. Mark Warner says, he “cannot and will not vote to fund DHS while this administration continues these violent federal takeovers of our cities.” And as Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08) says, “The Department of Homeland Security is murdering American citizens. Congress cannot allow that to continue.”
- Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08): “As with the murder of Renee Good, this video immediately established that DHS was lying about the shooting. The video shows that this was murder. And once again, DHS is obstructing local authorities from investigating a homicide in their community perpetrated by DHS agents. The Department of Homeland Security is murdering American citizens. Congress cannot allow that to continue. Getting these people out of Minnesota and cutting off funding should be a minimum response. This is an outrage and an assault on our rights and freedom and it must stop.”
- Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA03): “I am saddened and deeply concerned by reports that a person was shot and killed today in Minneapolis during an encounter with federal law enforcement agents, including ICE, amid the ongoing immigration enforcement operations in the city. I am closely monitoring the situation as details continue to emerge. It is critical that there be a thorough, transparent and independent investigation to establish the facts and ensure accountability. My thoughts are with the individual’s family, loved ones, and all those directly affected by this tragedy. Every life lost is a profound loss, and no community should be placed in a position of fear during law enforcement actions. This latest incident underscores the urgent need for Congress to exercise robust oversight over federal immigration enforcement operations, including clear standards for use-of-force, training, and accountability mechanisms. All Americans deserve to know that constitutional rights and human life are being respected.”
- Former Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA05): “Senators, obey your oath. Vote against ICE’s blank check to kill with impunity. This includes every GOP Senator who’s bragged about carrying the Constitution in their pocket or posed with a Gadsden flag and now actually has a vote to check federal tyranny. Remember this?”
- Former Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA02): “Federal officers shooting and killing Americans in the streets is not making us safer. The chaos created by this administration is spiraling out of control and our communities are paying the price. It must end.”
- Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA04): “Today brings another horrific death in Minneapolis, this time at the hands of Border Patrol agents. Alex Pretti’s death must be thoroughly and independently investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable. The Trump Administration must end the public safety crisis that its overly aggressive DHS, ICE and Border Patrol agents have created.”
Gov. Abigail Spanberger: “Today another person is dead in Minnesota. Videos are again showing chaotic law enforcement actions that end with Border Patrol agents shooting and killing an intensive care unit nurse. The chaotic scene today — and on the day Renee Good was killed — raise countless questions. Questions about: – Border Patrol and ICE vetting, training, and accountability – The purpose and intent of their engagement across communities – The long-term damage their reckless actions are doing to the trust other law enforcement agencies and police departments have built over years as they have worked to investigate crimes and keep communities safe. There must be a full investigation into what happened, and there must be accountability.”
- Sen. Tim Kaine: “The Minneapolis shooting is sickening. People around the world think this is America now. Is it? The Senate must show backbone in stopping Trump from terrorizing our communities.”
