Minneapolis Shooting: Video Shows Empty Hand Before Fatal Shots

Federal Agents Pin and Fire on Subdued Man; DHS Claims Armed Resistance—What the Footage Really Reveals

Bystander video from January 24, 2026 captures federal agents from U.S. Border Patrol and ICE tackling a 37-year-old Minneapolis man to the sidewalk, pinning him under multiple bodies, striking him, and firing a rapid volley of shots while he lies subdued with his left hand clearly visible and empty—no gun in sight. The Department of Homeland Security insists the man was armed with a 9mm handgun, violently resisted disarmament, and posed an immediate threat justifying “defensive” lethal force. Yet the footage, combined with local officials’ descriptions of a “horrific” and “unsettling” scene, tells a starkly different story—one that has ignited fresh protests, deepened distrust, and intensified calls to end the Trump administration’s “Operation Metro Surge” in the city. This was the third fatal shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis this month.

• Brian O’Hara (Minneapolis Police Chief) — Described the circulating video as “horrific” and stated that MPD arrived to find the man with multiple gunshot wounds; life-saving aid was attempted before he was pronounced dead at the hospital. Confirmed the victim was a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, American citizen, lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, and had no known criminal history beyond traffic tickets. Emphasized limited information from federal agencies, demanded they operate with “discipline, humanity, and integrity,” and immediately requested the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and FBI to investigate. Noted initial radio confusion where MPD was told they weren’t needed, but he ordered officers to secure the scene anyway. Urged peace and warned against destroying the city amid widespread anger.

• Jacob Frey (Minneapolis Mayor) — Called the scene “unsettling” and described video showing “more than six masked agents pulling one of our constituents and shooting him to death” after “pummeling” him. Labeled the federal presence an “invasion” by heavily armed, unidentified agents operating with “impunity.” Declared it is not creating safety but tearing families apart and eroding trust in law enforcement and democracy. Pleaded directly with President Trump to “end this operation,” act like a leader, and restore peace, framing it as an American—not partisan—issue where future generations will ask “what side you were on.”

• Rachel Sayer (Director of Emergency Management, City of Minneapolis) — Activated the city’s emergency operations center to track and mitigate impacts of the federal surge. Highlighted profound community repercussions: families afraid to go outside, children missing school, businesses shuttering, and people avoiding medical care. Compared the situation to conflict zones she worked in (Yemen, Haiti, Syria, Iraq, Ukraine), stating “What I see here is what I’ve seen there” — a powerful entity violently and intentionally terrorizing people, making them afraid to go outside so they can’t earn a living, forcing kids out of school, and creating lasting generational impact and feelings of helplessness. Praised the community’s response—people showing up for each other—as the “best” amid the worst. Shared resources for mental health, food/housing aid, legal help, tear gas exposure info, and rights violation reports via minneapolis.gov/ice.

• Trisha McLaughlin (DHS Spokesperson) — Stated that an individual approached U.S. Border Patrol officers armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun (photo shared); officers attempted to disarm the “armed suspect,” who “violently resisted.” Agents fired “defensive shots” fearing for their lives and those of fellow officers/agents. Medics provided immediate aid on scene. Promised more details on the “armed struggle” forthcoming.

• De-escalation and Demands on Trump — Local officials repeatedly called for de-escalation, emphasizing that current federal tactics (including aggressive crowd control and lack of communication) are heightening rather than reducing tensions. Mayor Jacob Frey and others made direct demands on President Trump to immediately end the operation, remove federal agents from Minneapolis streets, and prioritize peace and community safety over partisan enforcement goals, arguing that the approach is unsustainable, destructive to families and trust in democracy, and the opposite of achieving calm or prosperity.

• Video Evidence: Hands Empty at Time of Fatal Shots — Verified footage captures agents forcing the man to the ground, striking him, and unleashing an initial shot followed by a rapid barrage while he lies pinned beneath multiple officers and exhibits no ongoing resistance. Critically, the recording shows his left hand plainly visible and empty—no firearm present—at decisive points right before and throughout the shooting. A screenshot highlighted on CNN live coverage further substantiates the empty hand, providing strong visual evidence that any potential weapon had likely been neutralized prior to the repeated deadly fire.

• Official Accounts vs. Local Skepticism: DHS insists on justified defensive force against an armed, resisting suspect. Local leaders highlight the lack of shared details, prior misleading federal narratives (e.g., Renee Good case), and the video’s disturbing nature suggesting possible excessive force.

• Broader Context and Implications: Follows the January 7 killing of Renee Good and another incident, amid protests (15,000 peaceful the prior day) and economic shutdowns. Community “ICE watch” networks monitor agents, but federal tactics risk further escalation in a city still healing from past unrest.

As investigations continue—led by BCA and FBI with uncertain local evidence access—the footage, particularly the depiction of an empty hand, and conflicting official statements raise serious questions about the necessity and proportionality of the deadly force used after the man was subdued. This incident exposes profound tensions between federal enforcement operations and local community safety, calling for complete transparency, independent accountability, and urgent de-escalation to prevent further tragedy.