Noem Defends Handling Of MN Protester Deaths In Senate Hearing

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended her department’s actions and comments during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing — her first appearance before Congress since two protesters were shot and killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis earlier this year. Noem repeated her characterization of the deaths as involving “violent protesters” and said her statements were based on chaotic initial field reports, even as lawmakers from both parties pushed back and demanded accountability.

Top Democratic senators repeatedly questioned Noem about her comments labeling the protesters as aggressors, with calls for her to apologize and criticism that her remarks caused pain to the victims’ families. Noem said she relied on what she was told by officers on the scene and maintained her stance despite the backlash.