Federal Officer Shoots Suspect During Minneapolis Shovel Ambush, Protests Follow

Updated 2026-01-15 17:22:40+00:00 (2 articles)

Officer Fires After Ambush With Shovel and Broom The officer discharged his weapon, striking a Venezuelan national in the leg during a traffic stop that escalated after a crash; both the officer and the suspect were hospitalized with non‑life‑threatening injuries [1][2]. DHS described the suspect as an illegal immigrant who fled, crashed a parked car, and was attacked with a shovel and a broom handle [1][2]. The officer said he feared for his life as the assailants struck him repeatedly [1][2].

Three Attackers Arrested Following Violent Confrontation Two additional individuals emerged from a nearby apartment and joined the assault, wielding a shovel and a broom, and all three attackers were taken into custody [1][2]. The incident began with a car chase that ended in a crash involving the suspect and his accomplices [1][2]. Authorities confirmed that the three suspects faced charges related to assault on a federal officer [1][2].

Protests Erupt, City Leaders Demand ICE Withdrawal Demonstrators gathered in the Hawthorne area, clashing with law‑enforcement; police deployed tear gas and reported injuries from fireworks, ice and snowballs, and damage to vehicles believed to belong to federal agents [1][2]. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the federal operation, urged calm, and called for ICE to leave the city [2]. The city posted on X that it supports immigrant and refugee communities while demanding an end to the federal presence [2].

Political Reactions Include Trump’s Insurrection Act Threat and Investigation Request President Donald Trump posted that he might invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials did not stop what he called “professional agitators” [1]. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara requested an investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension [2]. Online fundraising campaigns raised millions for the widow of the victim and for the injured ICE officer [1].

Sources (2 articles)

Timeline

Jan 15 2026 (early morning) – DHS agents conduct a targeted traffic stop on a vehicle driven by a Venezuelan national living in the U.S. illegally; the driver flees, crashes a parked car, and is pursued by federal officers[2].

Jan 15 2026 (shortly after the crash) – Two accomplices emerge from a nearby apartment and assault the federal officer with a shovel and a broom handle, while the driver continues striking with the same implements[1][2].

Jan 15 2026 (mid‑morning) – The officer fires his weapon, wounding the driver in the leg; both the suspect and the officer are hospitalized with non‑life‑threatening injuries and all three attackers are taken into custody[1][2].

Jan 15 2026 (mid‑day) – Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara requests a Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigation, noting the presence of a broom and snow shovel at the scene and the possibility that an officer was assaulted[2].

Jan 15 2026 (evening) – Mayor Jacob Frey condemns the federal operation, saying “there is still a lot we don’t know and ICE and Border Patrol are creating chaos,” and urges residents to stay home if they cannot protest peacefully[2].

Jan 15 2026 (evening) – The City of Minneapolis posts on X that “ICE should depart immediately,” reaffirming its support for immigrant and refugee communities[2].

Jan 15 2026 (night) – Law enforcement declares the gathering an unlawful assembly, deploys tear gas, and uses crowd‑control tactics as protesters clash with police in the Hawthorne area[2].

Jan 15 2026 (night) – Protesters throw fireworks, ice and snowballs and damage vehicles believed to belong to federal authorities, intensifying the confrontation[1].

Jan 15 2026 (late night) – President Donald Trump posts on social media that he will consider invoking the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials do not stop what he calls “professional agitators,” signaling a possible deployment of active‑duty troops[1].

Jan 15 2026 (following days) – Online fundraising campaigns raise millions of dollars for the widow of Renee Good and for the injured ICE officer, reflecting deep national polarization over immigration enforcement[1].