German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed worry about the level of violence in the United States, particularly following recent fatal shootings by federal agents in Minnesota. Merz, speaking at a press conference in Hamburg, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the necessity of the shootings and the potential threats faced by the officers involved.
Merz’s comments came after two deadly incidents in Minneapolis this month. Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents on Saturday, with a similar incident occurring on January 7 when Renee Nicole Good was killed by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
The White House defended federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota and pushed back against criticism of its response to the Minneapolis shootings. President Donald Trump directed officials to work with state and local leaders to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration was closely monitoring the situation and focusing on restoring “law and order” in Minnesota.
President Trump approved federal emergency disaster declarations for states affected by a severe winter storm while investigations into the Minneapolis incident were ongoing. The administration, through Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, is conducting reviews, including an internal one by Customs and Border Protection. The emphasis is on allowing the investigations to proceed based on facts.
