By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Jim Huenergarde, a 29-year member of the Hays Lions Club, has been awarded the international&nbsp;Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.

Huenergarde, 78, has a long history of service in Hays and the state, especially in advancing the Lions' mission of eye health.

Huenergarde has served the Hays Lions as past president, board member, and chairman of the vision screening committee. He serves as vice president of the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation and leads its Finance and Investment Committee.

The foundation provides grants to the school for the blind and leader dogs for the blind.

Huenergarde can often be found in local schools, most recently in Holy Family Elementary School, helping screen children for potential eye issues.

A co-worker asked him to join the club in the 1990s.

"I like the part where we were helping people who had needs, especially the vision, and a lot of it is geared toward children," he said.

"We kept hearing all these children in school who couldn't afford new glasses, or they weren't getting them done," he said. "It was an opportunity to help and get the word out."

Helen Keller challenged the Lions at their 1926 convention to be the Knights of the Blind, and they have championed vision causes ever since.

The Lions have a digital screener that can assess a child's vision in less than a minute for seven vision issues. Screeners can print the results and send them to parents so they can make an appointment with an optometrist.&nbsp;

Optometrists have told&nbsp;Huenergarde that if vision problems can be identified by about age 6 or 7, most can be corrected.

If Lions finds a family that can't afford glasses for a child, they have funds to help pay for those glasses.

Huenergarde&nbsp;said he enjoys working with kids.&nbsp;

He said some children are afraid to be screened, but he points the screener at the kids and says, "I'm just going to take their picture."

"They're fine with that," he said. "You just have to figure out how to deal with them. They're all different."

Huenergarde said he remembers offering free vision screenings at the Arc Thrift Store in Hays. A woman came in, and he offered to screen the children. He screened the three children, and their eyesight was fine. He tried to screen the mother, and the equipment would not give an accurate reading.

"I said, 'Something is wrong.' I suggested she get a hold of and go see an optometrist right away,"&nbsp;Huenergarde said. ... "She went there Monday morning and found she had a detached retina.

"They were able to get that repaired, so she didn't lose her vision. Early detection gives you the ability to repair or fix."

The Lions also promote diabetes education, as diabetes can lead to severe eye complications.

The Lions collect used glasses for international mission trips with volunteer optometrists.&nbsp;Huenergarde said he has been involved in collecting and sorting these glasses. Prison inmates used to measure the lens prescriptions and sort the glasses manually.

However, the Lions Foundation recently bought a machine that will measure the prescription in the glasses in a fraction of the time.

You can drop off used glasses at the Arc Thrift Store in Hays. Check with your local Lions Club to identify glasses collection sites in other areas of the state.

Huenergarde said he has also enjoyed the camaraderie he feels with other Lions as they meet throughout the year, complete other service projects and fundraisers.

"Lions Club is kind of my other family," he said.

The Hays Lions conduct three main fundraisers throughout the year: a pancake feed in March, bierock sales during Oktoberfest, and a golf tournament.

"You're working with the members," he said. "You're training them. You're helping them. You get them excited about the project. You have fun. That's the biggest part. It's fun."

Huenergarde sometimes wears a lion costume&nbsp;during the pancake feed to bring a little comic relief to the event.

The Lions use some of the funds they raise to help other nonprofits in the community, some of which include Boy Scout Troop 101, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, and DSNWK. This year, the club has budgeted $16,000 for local grants.

"The money is going right back into our community—every penny of it. I liked that, an opportunity to really give back to the community. That was where the passion is, and it develops as you go."

The Hays Lions Club has 46 members on the roster and about 28 to 30 active members. The number of active members has steadily decreased in recent years, and&nbsp;Huenergarde said smaller numbers make it more difficult for the club to complete projects.

"The younger generation is not interested in this service work or giving back to the community," he said. "It's hard to get anyone interested."

Anyone can visit a Lions Club meeting if they are interested in joining. There is a one-time membership fee of $46, plus $7 monthly membership dues. The first six months of dues are free.

The Hays club, which was founded in 1924, meets weekly at noon Tuesdays at the Verdant Bistro meeting room at the Hadley Center. If you eat, the meal costs $12.50.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769186824114.jpeg" alt="Jim Huenergarde, far right, at a recent vision screening at Holy Family Elementary School. Huenergarde, a 29-year Lions member, was recently honored by the organization for his community service and dedication to the club's vision and mission. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jim Huenergarde, far right, at a recent vision screening at Holy Family Elementary School. Huenergarde, a 29-year Lions member, was recently honored by the organization for his community service and dedication to the club's vision and mission. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostJim Huenergarde, a 29-year member of the Hays Lions Club, has been awarded the international&nbsp;Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.Huenergarde, 78, has a long history of service in Hays and the state, especially in advancing the Lions' mission of eye health.Huenergarde has served the Hays Lions as past president, board member, and chairman of the vision screening committee. He serves as vice president of the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation and leads its Finance and Investment Committee.The foundation provides grants to the school for the blind and leader dogs for the blind.Huenergarde can often be found in local schools, most recently in Holy Family Elementary School, helping screen children for potential eye issues.A co-worker asked him to join the club in the 1990s."I like the part where we were helping people who had needs, especially the vision, and a lot of it is geared toward children," he said."We kept hearing all these children in school who couldn't afford new glasses, or they weren't getting them done," he said. "It was an opportunity to help and get the word out."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769187833864.jpeg" alt="Jim Huenergarde, far right, helps screen students for vision issues at Holy Family Elementary School.&nbsp;Huenergarde&nbsp;serves as vice president of the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation and leads its Finance and Investment Committee. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jim Huenergarde, far right, helps screen students for vision issues at Holy Family Elementary School.&nbsp;Huenergarde&nbsp;serves as vice president of the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation and leads its Finance and Investment Committee. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Helen Keller challenged the Lions at their 1926 convention to be the Knights of the Blind, and they have championed vision causes ever since.The Lions have a digital screener that can assess a child's vision in less than a minute for seven vision issues. Screeners can print the results and send them to parents so they can make an appointment with an optometrist.&nbsp;Optometrists have told&nbsp;Huenergarde that if vision problems can be identified by about age 6 or 7, most can be corrected.If Lions finds a family that can't afford glasses for a child, they have funds to help pay for those glasses.Huenergarde&nbsp;said he enjoys working with kids.&nbsp;He said some children are afraid to be screened, but he points the screener at the kids and says, "I'm just going to take their picture.""They're fine with that," he said. "You just have to figure out how to deal with them. They're all different."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769188058913.jpeg" alt="It only takes Lions volunteer screeners about a minute to assess a person's eyes&nbsp;for potential vision issues with a device such as the one shown here. The Lions provide free screenings and refer children and adults to optometrists if issues are detected. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>It only takes Lions volunteer screeners about a minute to assess a person's eyes&nbsp;for potential vision issues with a device such as the one shown here. The Lions provide free screenings and refer children and adults to optometrists if issues are detected. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769188380590.jpeg" alt="Lions volunteers test Holy Family Elementary School students for color blindness during a recent vision screening at the school. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lions volunteers test Holy Family Elementary School students for color blindness during a recent vision screening at the school. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Lions also screen and assist adults.Huenergarde said he remembers offering free vision screenings at the Arc Thrift Store in Hays. A woman came in, and he offered to screen the children. He screened the three children, and their eyesight was fine. He tried to screen the mother, and the equipment would not give an accurate reading."I said, 'Something is wrong.' I suggested she get a hold of and go see an optometrist right away,"&nbsp;Huenergarde said. ... "She went there Monday morning and found she had a detached retina."They were able to get that repaired, so she didn't lose her vision. Early detection gives you the ability to repair or fix."The Lions also promote diabetes education, as diabetes can lead to severe eye complications.The Lions collect used glasses for international mission trips with volunteer optometrists.&nbsp;Huenergarde said he has been involved in collecting and sorting these glasses. Prison inmates used to measure the lens prescriptions and sort the glasses manually.However, the Lions Foundation recently bought a machine that will measure the prescription in the glasses in a fraction of the time.You can drop off used glasses at the Arc Thrift Store in Hays. Check with your local Lions Club to identify glasses collection sites in other areas of the state.Huenergarde said he has also enjoyed the camaraderie he feels with other Lions as they meet throughout the year, complete other service projects and fundraisers."Lions Club is kind of my other family," he said.The Hays Lions conduct three main fundraisers throughout the year: a pancake feed in March, bierock sales during Oktoberfest, and a golf tournament."You're working with the members," he said. "You're training them. You're helping them. You get them excited about the project. You have fun. That's the biggest part. It's fun."Huenergarde sometimes wears a lion costume&nbsp;during the pancake feed to bring a little comic relief to the event.The Lions use some of the funds they raise to help other nonprofits in the community, some of which include Boy Scout Troop 101, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, and DSNWK. This year, the club has budgeted $16,000 for local grants."The money is going right back into our community—every penny of it. I liked that, an opportunity to really give back to the community. That was where the passion is, and it develops as you go."The Hays Lions Club has 46 members on the roster and about 28 to 30 active members. The number of active members has steadily decreased in recent years, and&nbsp;Huenergarde said smaller numbers make it more difficult for the club to complete projects."The younger generation is not interested in this service work or giving back to the community," he said. "It's hard to get anyone interested."Anyone can visit a Lions Club meeting if they are interested in joining. There is a one-time membership fee of $46, plus $7 monthly membership dues. The first six months of dues are free.The Hays club, which was founded in 1924, meets weekly at noon Tuesdays at the Verdant Bistro meeting room at the Hadley Center. If you eat, the meal costs $12.50.

Hays Lions member honored for dedication to vision mission, community service

HAYS – Hays High had two individual champions and four
second place finishers and finished second at their own Bob Kuhn Prairie Senior
Classic which wrapped up Saturday at Hays High School.

Manhattan won the team title with 533 points, Russell finished
fifth (198), Trego sixth (165.5), Phillipsburg ninth (101.0), Ellis 10th (92.5)
and TMP-Marian 11th (69.5).

Archer Amrein and Tanner Giest were the Indians two chanps.
Amrein (27-7) won six of his eight matches by fall to take the title at 175. Giest
(25-4) won two of his three matches by fall to win at 285. Second place finishers
included Gaven Deneault (21-9) at 106, Westyn Cook (23-8) at 132, Johnny Rigler
(28-3) at 190 and Jaxson Chartier (27-8) at 215. Ethan Branaman (12-15) placed third
at 113 as did Camden Luck (6-2) at 126 and Grady Lind (23-10) at 144.

Russell had two first place finishers. Xzander Donner (26-0)
won at 106 and Xzephron Donner (28-1) at 120

Asher Haag of Ellis (26-4) went 8-0 and won the individual
title at 138. Phillipsburg’s Blake Buresh (33-0) won the 157 title. Trego’s
Ashton Wynn (26-7) placed second t 144 while teammate Aaron Samson (23-6) finished
third at 150.

Gaven Deneault (21-9) placed 2nd and scored 36.5 team points.

Ethan Branaman (12-15) placed 3rd and scored 23.0 team points.

Cyler Luck (5-4) placed 5th and scored 22.5 team points.

Camden Luck (6-2) placed 3rd and scored 31.0 team points.

Westyn Cook (23-8) placed 2nd and scored 37.0 team points.

Jace Myers (5-8) placed 7th and scored 11.0 team points.

Grady Lind (23-10) placed 3rd and scored 32.0 team points.

Cade Lind (24-10) placed 5th and scored 20.5 team points.

Pedro Jimenez (2-22) placed 8th and scored 4.0 team points.

Brian Prough (13-9) placed 4th and scored 23.0 team points.

Archer Amrein (27-7) placed 1st and scored 47.5 team points.

Jonathan Rigler (28-3) placed 2nd and scored 35.0 team points.

Jaxson Chartier (27-8) placed 2nd and scored 43.5 team points.

Tanner Geist (25-4) placed 1st and scored 37.0 team points.

Layne Dorzweiler (0-8) placed 7th and scored 7.0 team points.

Henry Stiles (7-22) placed 10th and scored 0.0 team points.

Eli Stein (20-11) placed 6th and scored 15.5 team points.

Kenneth Walker (28-11) placed 5th and scored 25.0 team points.

Hayden Pfannenstiel (7-13) placed 4th and scored 22.0 team points.

Bob Kuhn Prairie Classic -- 2026 Results for Ellis HS

Korbyn Kroeger (15-16) placed 6th and scored 12.5 team points.

Carter Jimenez (13-16) placed 7th and scored 9.0 team points.

Asher Haag (26-4) placed 1st and scored 42.0 team points.

Kooper Hankins (11-18) placed 8th and scored 4.0 team points.

Jack Reed (21-13) placed 4th and scored 25.0 team points.

Results for WaKeeney-Trego Community HS / Quinter HS

Oliver Coleman (9-17) placed 8th and scored 7.0 team points.

Leighton Bliss (8-18) placed 5th and scored 18.0 team points.

Mack Glaze (12-16) placed 6th and scored 13.0 team points.

Ashton Wynn (26-7) placed 2nd and scored 39.0 team points.

Aaron Samson (23-6) placed 3rd and scored 35.0 team points.

🤼‍♂️ Hays boys finish second at Bob Kuhn Prairie Senior Classic

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will have a work session at 8:30 a.m. on Monday.

The commission will receive updates on bond projects, such as the law enforcement center, Ellis emergency services building, courthouse HVAC system and administration building fan coil units.

The commission will also discuss long-term budget considerations, including the 2030 sales tax sunset, a potential transient guest tax and other 2027 budget items.

Other business • Community improvement district&nbsp; • Discussion of roads regarding right of way • Fireworks • Ellis County Health Department update • 2026 annual commission retreat topics

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262026-725">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will have a work session at 8:30 a.m. on Monday.The commission will receive updates on bond projects, such as the law enforcement center, Ellis emergency services building, courthouse HVAC system and administration building fan coil units.The commission will also discuss long-term budget considerations, including the 2030 sales tax sunset, a potential transient guest tax and other 2027 budget items.Other business • Community improvement district&nbsp; • Discussion of roads regarding right of way • Fireworks • Ellis County Health Department update • 2026 annual commission retreat topicsYou can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262026-725">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to hear updates on bond projects

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks about the upcoming building expansion project at the Hays Arts Council with Chandler Reich, executive director and Brittney Squire, board member.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a0344c2a-b851-4bbf-8a8d-2332e0d0c006">SEE MORE AT:&nbsp; Construction to begin at Hays Arts Council in February</a>.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Expansion project at Hays Arts Council requires temporary relocation of office" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=whf7d-1a253da-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks about the upcoming building expansion project at the Hays Arts Council with Chandler Reich, executive director and Brittney Squire, board member.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a0344c2a-b851-4bbf-8a8d-2332e0d0c006">SEE MORE AT:&nbsp; Construction to begin at Hays Arts Council in February</a>.

🎙 Expansion project at Hays Arts Council requires temporary relocation of office 

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/hannah-fingerhut">HANNAH FINGERHUT</a> Associated Press

Videos quickly emerged showing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-4d1499fc5962ab880f3816259e04bdbf">fatal shooting of a Minneapolis protester</a>&nbsp;by a Border Patrol agent that has been widely denounced as a case of excessive force carried out by untrained federal officers. The administration says it was a case of an armed man provoking violence.

The Associated Press reviewed multiple bystander videos that show a Border Patrol agent shooting and killing 37-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>&nbsp;after a roughly 30-second scuffle around 9 a.m. Saturday. The videos appear to contradict statements by the Trump administration, which said the shots were fired “defensively” against Pretti as he “approached” them with a gun.

In the videos, Pretti is seen with only a phone in his hand. None of the footage appears to show him with a weapon. During the scuffle, agents discovered that he was carrying a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun, and they opened fire with several shots. Pretti was licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who said he watched one of the videos, said he saw “more than six masked agents pummeling one of our constituents, shooting him to death." Frey has said Minneapolis and St. Paul are being “invaded” by the administration's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-crackdown-51a05ca22098e07fa0499e59e49e6b22">largest immigration crackdown</a>, dubbed Operation Metro Surge.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Pretti attacked officers, and Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino said Pretti wanted to do “maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.” In posts on X, President Donald Trump’s deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, called Pretti "a would-be assassin.”

It was the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis by federal immigration authorities this month. The first, on Jan. 7, involved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a">Renee Good</a>. It also was captured on videos and produced a similar schism among political leaders.

The shooting occurred when officers were pursuing a man in the country illegally wanted for domestic assault, Bovino said. Protesters routinely try to disrupt such operations, and they sounded high-pitched whistles, honked horns and yelled at officers.

Among them was Pretti. At one point, in a video obtained by AP, Pretti is standing in the street and holding up his phone. He is face-to-face with an officer in a tactical vest, who places his hand on Pretti and pushes him toward the sidewalk.

Pretti is talking to the officer, though it is not clear what he is saying.

The video shows protesters wandering in and out of the street as officers persist in trying to keep them at bay. One protester is put in handcuffs. Some officers are carrying pepper spray canisters.

Pretti comes in again when the video shows an officer wearing tactical gear shoving a protester. The protester, who is wearing a skirt over black tights and holding a water bottle, reaches out for Pretti.

The same officer shoves Pretti in his chest, leading Pretti and the other protester to stumble backward.

A different video then shows Pretti moving toward another protester, who falls over after being shoved by the same officer. Pretti moves between the protester and the officer, reaching his arms out toward the officer.

The officer deploys pepper spray, and Pretti raises his hand and turns his face. The officer grabs Pretti's hand to bring it behind his back, deploys the pepper spray canister again and then pushes Pretti away.

Seconds later, at least a half-dozen federal officers surround Pretti, who is wrestled to the ground and hit several times. Several agents try to bring Pretti’s arms behind his back, and he struggles.

Videos show an officer, who is hovering over the scuffle with his right hand on Pretti’s back, backs away from the group with what appears to be a gun in his right hand just before the first shot.

Someone shouts “gun, gun.” It is not clear if that’s a reference to the weapon authorities say Pretti had.

Videos do not clearly show who fired the first shot. In one video, seconds before the first shot, one officer reaches for his belt and appears to draw his gun. That same officer is seen with a gun to Pretti’s back as three more shots ring out. Pretti slumps to the ground. Videos show the officers backing away, some with guns drawn. More shots are fired.

The Department of Homeland Security said Pretti was shot after he “approached” Border Patrol officers with a gun. Officials did not say if Pretti brandished the weapon or kept it hidden.

An agency statement said officers fired “defensive shots” after Pretti “violently resisted” officers tried to disarm him.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz expressed dismay at the characterization.

“I’ve seen the videos, from several angles, and it’s sickening,” he said.

Trump weighed in on social media by lashing out Walz and Frey. Trump shared images of the gun that immigration officials said was recovered from Pretti and said “What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE Officers?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769291501849.png" alt="Image of the shooting from a bystander video obtained by the APAssociated Press" />
 <figcaption>Image of the shooting from a bystander video obtained by the APAssociated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/hannah-fingerhut">HANNAH FINGERHUT</a> Associated PressVideos quickly emerged showing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-4d1499fc5962ab880f3816259e04bdbf">fatal shooting of a Minneapolis protester</a>&nbsp;by a Border Patrol agent that has been widely denounced as a case of excessive force carried out by untrained federal officers. The administration says it was a case of an armed man provoking violence.The Associated Press reviewed multiple bystander videos that show a Border Patrol agent shooting and killing 37-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>&nbsp;after a roughly 30-second scuffle around 9 a.m. Saturday. The videos appear to contradict statements by the Trump administration, which said the shots were fired “defensively” against Pretti as he “approached” them with a gun.In the videos, Pretti is seen with only a phone in his hand. None of the footage appears to show him with a weapon. During the scuffle, agents discovered that he was carrying a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun, and they opened fire with several shots. Pretti was licensed to carry a concealed weapon.Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who said he watched one of the videos, said he saw “more than six masked agents pummeling one of our constituents, shooting him to death." Frey has said Minneapolis and St. Paul are being “invaded” by the administration's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-crackdown-51a05ca22098e07fa0499e59e49e6b22">largest immigration crackdown</a>, dubbed Operation Metro Surge.Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Pretti attacked officers, and Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino said Pretti wanted to do “maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.” In posts on X, President Donald Trump’s deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, called Pretti "a would-be assassin.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Q: &quot;Did he brandish a gun? At what point did law enforcement retrieve the gun and also the magazines...? Secretary Noem: &quot;This individual showed up to impede a law enforcement operation and assaulted our officers. They responded according to their training...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/vPRUsBIBru">pic.twitter.com/vPRUsBIBru</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2015193659595977150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DHS Secretary Kristi Noem (<a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sec_Noem</a>) on Minneapolis shooting: &quot;This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/feQF14gZWh">pic.twitter.com/feQF14gZWh</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2015191779675423218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It was the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis by federal immigration authorities this month. The first, on Jan. 7, involved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a">Renee Good</a>. It also was captured on videos and produced a similar schism among political leaders.The shooting occurred when officers were pursuing a man in the country illegally wanted for domestic assault, Bovino said. Protesters routinely try to disrupt such operations, and they sounded high-pitched whistles, honked horns and yelled at officers.Among them was Pretti. At one point, in a video obtained by AP, Pretti is standing in the street and holding up his phone. He is face-to-face with an officer in a tactical vest, who places his hand on Pretti and pushes him toward the sidewalk.Pretti is talking to the officer, though it is not clear what he is saying.The video shows protesters wandering in and out of the street as officers persist in trying to keep them at bay. One protester is put in handcuffs. Some officers are carrying pepper spray canisters.Pretti comes in again when the video shows an officer wearing tactical gear shoving a protester. The protester, who is wearing a skirt over black tights and holding a water bottle, reaches out for Pretti.The same officer shoves Pretti in his chest, leading Pretti and the other protester to stumble backward.A different video then shows Pretti moving toward another protester, who falls over after being shoved by the same officer. Pretti moves between the protester and the officer, reaching his arms out toward the officer.The officer deploys pepper spray, and Pretti raises his hand and turns his face. The officer grabs Pretti's hand to bring it behind his back, deploys the pepper spray canister again and then pushes Pretti away.Seconds later, at least a half-dozen federal officers surround Pretti, who is wrestled to the ground and hit several times. Several agents try to bring Pretti’s arms behind his back, and he struggles.Videos show an officer, who is hovering over the scuffle with his right hand on Pretti’s back, backs away from the group with what appears to be a gun in his right hand just before the first shot.Someone shouts “gun, gun.” It is not clear if that’s a reference to the weapon authorities say Pretti had.And then the first shot is heard.Videos do not clearly show who fired the first shot. In one video, seconds before the first shot, one officer reaches for his belt and appears to draw his gun. That same officer is seen with a gun to Pretti’s back as three more shots ring out. Pretti slumps to the ground. Videos show the officers backing away, some with guns drawn. More shots are fired.The Department of Homeland Security said Pretti was shot after he “approached” Border Patrol officers with a gun. Officials did not say if Pretti brandished the weapon or kept it hidden.An agency statement said officers fired “defensive shots” after Pretti “violently resisted” officers tried to disarm him.Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz expressed dismay at the characterization.“I’ve seen the videos, from several angles, and it’s sickening,” he said.Trump weighed in on social media by lashing out Walz and Frey. Trump shared images of the gun that immigration officials said was recovered from Pretti and said “What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE Officers?”

Videos show deadly Minneapolis shooting and political leaders reach different conclusions

The Victoria Recreation Commission is betting on recreation to help grow the city, starting with a pickleball court.

Victoria Recreation Commission Board President Sean Rodger said discussions about building a court grew out of the sport’s rising popularity.

"It is literally the hottest sport in America right now. They're building courts everywhere," Rodger said.

The commission announced on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1877f9ce6s/">Facebook</a>, in partnership with USD 432, construction of a court by Mid-American Courtworks of Wichita is expected to begin this summer.

Rodger said the court’s location is still being discussed, but one area under heavy consideration is next to Victoria Elementary School, near the tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. 

"I'd like to tie all that together with a pickleball court and have a really nice facility for more recreational opportunities for our community in one spot," he said.

Rodger said the court will be designed to minimize cracking and increase durability, with construction expected to begin about June.&nbsp;A completion date has not yet been set.

In addition, the commission is undertaking a secondary project to resurface and repaint the outdoor basketball court near the elementary school. This includes painting lines consistent with indoor court standards.

The pickleball court project received a $3,000 grant from the Heartland Community Foundation. Rodger said he is pursuing additional grants to fund a second court.

"I definitely have some opportunities to, hopefully, get a little more funding. Maybe instead of one, we can, hopefully, get two. It'd be awesome," he said.

Rodger said he hopes to add fencing and lighting to the courts, along with a maroon-and-gold color scheme to match Victoria High School's colors.

Rodger said Victoria has shown interest in pickleball through temporary gym setups and community play nights, which drew strong participation.

He said his long-term vision is to host pickleball events and tournaments, and eventually to develop a community recreation facility.

"I'm looking to grow the town through a different way, and that's through recreation," Rodger said. "It's a sport that's attractive to such a wide range of people. I also hope to jump-start many other projects as well."

You can follow the recreation commission on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/victoriareccomm">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769197170876.jpeg" alt="The proposed pickleball court design (top) and the basketball court (bottom) in Victoria High School's colors. The design has not been finalized, and this is just a representation of what the courts could look like. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>The proposed pickleball court design (top) and the basketball court (bottom) in Victoria High School's colors. The design has not been finalized, and this is just a representation of what the courts could look like. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Victoria Recreation Commission is betting on recreation to help grow the city, starting with a pickleball court.Victoria Recreation Commission Board President Sean Rodger said discussions about building a court grew out of the sport’s rising popularity."It is literally the hottest sport in America right now. They're building courts everywhere," Rodger said.The commission announced on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1877f9ce6s/">Facebook</a>, in partnership with USD 432, construction of a court by Mid-American Courtworks of Wichita is expected to begin this summer.Rodger said the court’s location is still being discussed, but one area under heavy consideration is next to Victoria Elementary School, near the tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. "I'd like to tie all that together with a pickleball court and have a really nice facility for more recreational opportunities for our community in one spot," he said.Rodger said the court will be designed to minimize cracking and increase durability, with construction expected to begin about June.&nbsp;A completion date has not yet been set.In addition, the commission is undertaking a secondary project to resurface and repaint the outdoor basketball court near the elementary school. This includes painting lines consistent with indoor court standards.The pickleball court project received a $3,000 grant from the Heartland Community Foundation. Rodger said he is pursuing additional grants to fund a second court."I definitely have some opportunities to, hopefully, get a little more funding. Maybe instead of one, we can, hopefully, get two. It'd be awesome," he said.Rodger said he hopes to add fencing and lighting to the courts, along with a maroon-and-gold color scheme to match Victoria High School's colors.Rodger said Victoria has shown interest in pickleball through temporary gym setups and community play nights, which drew strong participation.He said his long-term vision is to host pickleball events and tournaments, and eventually to develop a community recreation facility."I'm looking to grow the town through a different way, and that's through recreation," Rodger said. "It's a sport that's attractive to such a wide range of people. I also hope to jump-start many other projects as well."You can follow the recreation commission on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/victoriareccomm">Facebook</a>.

Victoria looks to pickleball to grow community recreation

By Dustin Armbruster Hays Post Sports

Colby - The Hays High basketball teams each walked off the floor at the Colby Event Center as champions on Saturday evening.

Girls #3-5A Hays 56 - #3-5A Standley Lake (Colorado) 53

Hays High scored the last give points of the game and survived a last second shot by Standley Lake in a 56-53 victory over the Gators. The victory marks back-to-back Orange &amp; Black titles for the Indians.

Through the first five minutes of the game the two teams split the first 20 points. Trailing by three, the Indians score the final four points of the quarter for a 14-13 lead.

Standley Lake (11-2) opened the second quarter with a traditional three point play for a lead of 16-14. The Gators wouldn't lead again until there was less than three minutes left in the game. Hays (13-1) went on a 10-4 run that pushed their advantage to a first half high six at 26-20.

The Gators made two of four three throws over the final two minutes to cut the lead down to 26-22 heading into the locker rooms.

Leading by two in the third quarter, Hays High used a 12-4 run to take their biggest lead of the game at 40-30. The Indians managed just one point over the last 3:15 of the quarter. Standley Lake drew within one point early in the fourth thanks to a 9-1 run.&nbsp;

Hays grew the lead to five points twice and eventually six points at 51-45 with five minutes left in the game. The Gators best run of the night allowed them to take the lead. Standley Lake made back to back three pointers and then a two point basket for a 53-51 advantage with 2:30 remaining.&nbsp;

It was the last time the Gators added to their score. Hays made one of two free throws with ninety seconds remaining. The Indians secured a rebound on the missed second free throw then hit a three pointer out of the ensuing timeout for a 55-53 lead.&nbsp;

A final free throw with :16 left gave the Indians the 56-53 lead which proved to be the winning margin. The Gators called timeout with 11.2 second remaining but failed to hit a deep three pointer to tie.

Zoe Winter tied a career high with 23 points and added a career high 12 rebounds. She recorded a double-double in each of the last two games. Jenna Schmeidler scored 20 and was name tournament MVP for a second consecutive year. Winter and Schmeidler were also named to the All-Tournament team.

Schmeidler 20, Humphrey 7, LaBarge 1, Cunningham 0, Armbruster 0, Turner 3, Newell 2, Winter 23.

Boys #8-5A Hays 52 - #5-3A Beloit 29

Hays never trailed Beloit in a dominate 52-29 showing in the title game to claim their fifth Orange &amp; Black Classic championship.

The Indians opened the game with a three pointer which was followed closely by a two point field goal from Beloit. The 3-2 score was the closest the Trojans would be all night.

A 10-2 first quarter run put Hays (11-3) up by nine at 13-4 and then shortly after, the Indians took their first double digit lead at 17-7. Beloit (11-2) cut the edge down to six before Hays beat the first quarter buzzer for a 19-11 advantage.

Neither team did much scoring in the second quarter. Hays tripled up the Trojans 9-3 during those eight minutes. Beloit pulled within seven at 21-14 with 4:30 remaining in the half. They didn't score again. The Indians scored seven points in the next three minutes to lead 28-14 at half.

Leading by 11 early in the third quarter, Hays took what little doubt was left out of the Colby Event Center. The Indians went on a 15-0 run that took less than three minutes and resulted in a 43-19 lead.&nbsp;

Hays led by 23 going to the fourth quarter and quickly produced two baskets in the first minute of the final frame 50-23 lead. Despite scoring just two points over the final seven minutes, Hays never let Beloit go on a run. The Trojans went 0-9 from the floor in the fourth quarter and made six of ten free throws in the 52-29 victory.

Hays High allowed an average of just 33 points per game in the three game tournament. The victory for Hays snapped an 11 game winning streak for Beloit.

Dawson Ruder scored a game high 15 and Izaac Fox added 14. They along with Trey Oakley were named to the All-Tournament team.

Hays is off until Friday when they host Great Bend.&nbsp;

Pfeifer 0, Zimmerman 0, Burkholder 3, Homeier 2, Oakley 9, Hardman 0, Harmoney 5, Schmidtberger 2, Fox 14, Smalley 0, Day 2, Prediger 0, Otte 0, Ruder 15, Reid 0.&nbsp;

By Dustin Armbruster Hays Post SportsColby - The Hays High basketball teams each walked off the floor at the Colby Event Center as champions on Saturday evening.Girls #3-5A Hays 56 - #3-5A Standley Lake (Colorado) 53Hays High scored the last give points of the game and survived a last second shot by Standley Lake in a 56-53 victory over the Gators. The victory marks back-to-back Orange &amp; Black titles for the Indians.Through the first five minutes of the game the two teams split the first 20 points. Trailing by three, the Indians score the final four points of the quarter for a 14-13 lead.Standley Lake (11-2) opened the second quarter with a traditional three point play for a lead of 16-14. The Gators wouldn't lead again until there was less than three minutes left in the game. Hays (13-1) went on a 10-4 run that pushed their advantage to a first half high six at 26-20.The Gators made two of four three throws over the final two minutes to cut the lead down to 26-22 heading into the locker rooms.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2253657932&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-24-26-hhs-wbkb-orange-black" title="1-24-26 HHS WBKB Orange &amp; Black Classic Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1-24-26 HHS WBKB Orange &amp; Black Classic Highlights</a></div></div>Leading by two in the third quarter, Hays High used a 12-4 run to take their biggest lead of the game at 40-30. The Indians managed just one point over the last 3:15 of the quarter. Standley Lake drew within one point early in the fourth thanks to a 9-1 run.&nbsp;Hays grew the lead to five points twice and eventually six points at 51-45 with five minutes left in the game. The Gators best run of the night allowed them to take the lead. Standley Lake made back to back three pointers and then a two point basket for a 53-51 advantage with 2:30 remaining.&nbsp;It was the last time the Gators added to their score. Hays made one of two free throws with ninety seconds remaining. The Indians secured a rebound on the missed second free throw then hit a three pointer out of the ensuing timeout for a 55-53 lead.&nbsp;A final free throw with :16 left gave the Indians the 56-53 lead which proved to be the winning margin. The Gators called timeout with 11.2 second remaining but failed to hit a deep three pointer to tie.Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2253657605&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/girls-coach-len-melvin-1-24-16" title="Girls Coach Len Melvin 1-24-16" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Girls Coach Len Melvin 1-24-16</a></div></div>Zoe Winter tied a career high with 23 points and added a career high 12 rebounds. She recorded a double-double in each of the last two games. Jenna Schmeidler scored 20 and was name tournament MVP for a second consecutive year. Winter and Schmeidler were also named to the All-Tournament team.Schmeidler 20, Humphrey 7, LaBarge 1, Cunningham 0, Armbruster 0, Turner 3, Newell 2, Winter 23.Boys #8-5A Hays 52 - #5-3A Beloit 29Hays never trailed Beloit in a dominate 52-29 showing in the title game to claim their fifth Orange &amp; Black Classic championship.The Indians opened the game with a three pointer which was followed closely by a two point field goal from Beloit. The 3-2 score was the closest the Trojans would be all night.A 10-2 first quarter run put Hays (11-3) up by nine at 13-4 and then shortly after, the Indians took their first double digit lead at 17-7. Beloit (11-2) cut the edge down to six before Hays beat the first quarter buzzer for a 19-11 advantage.Neither team did much scoring in the second quarter. Hays tripled up the Trojans 9-3 during those eight minutes. Beloit pulled within seven at 21-14 with 4:30 remaining in the half. They didn't score again. The Indians scored seven points in the next three minutes to lead 28-14 at half.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2253658058&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-24-26-hhs-mbkb-orange-black" title="1-24-26 HHS MBKB Orange &amp; Black Classic Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1-24-26 HHS MBKB Orange &amp; Black Classic Highlights</a></div></div>Leading by 11 early in the third quarter, Hays took what little doubt was left out of the Colby Event Center. The Indians went on a 15-0 run that took less than three minutes and resulted in a 43-19 lead.&nbsp;Hays led by 23 going to the fourth quarter and quickly produced two baskets in the first minute of the final frame 50-23 lead. Despite scoring just two points over the final seven minutes, Hays never let Beloit go on a run. The Trojans went 0-9 from the floor in the fourth quarter and made six of ten free throws in the 52-29 victory.Coach Sean Dreiling<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2253657821&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/boys-coach-sean-dreiling-1-24-26" title="Boys Coach Sean Dreiling 1-24-26" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Boys Coach Sean Dreiling 1-24-26</a></div></div>Hays High allowed an average of just 33 points per game in the three game tournament. The victory for Hays snapped an 11 game winning streak for Beloit.Dawson Ruder scored a game high 15 and Izaac Fox added 14. They along with Trey Oakley were named to the All-Tournament team.Hays is off until Friday when they host Great Bend.&nbsp;Pfeifer 0, Zimmerman 0, Burkholder 3, Homeier 2, Oakley 9, Hardman 0, Harmoney 5, Schmidtberger 2, Fox 14, Smalley 0, Day 2, Prediger 0, Otte 0, Ruder 15, Reid 0.&nbsp;

🏀 A golden day for Hays High

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —A federal immigration officer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-4d1499fc5962ab880f3816259e04bdbf">shot and killed a man in Minneapolis</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, drawing hundreds of protesters onto the frigidly cold streets in a city already shaken by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">another fatal shooting&nbsp;</a>weeks earlier.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said a 37-year-old man was killed but declined to identify him. He added that information about what led up to the shooting was limited. The man was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc" target="_blank">identified by his parents as Alex Jeffrey Pretti</a>, an intensive care unit nurse. The officer who shot Pretti is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran, federal officials said.

The Minnesota National Guard has been activated by Gov. Tim Walz and is assisting local police amid growing protests. Guard troops are going to both to the shooting site and to a federal building where officials have squared off with protesters daily.

The shooting happened amid widespread daily protests in the Twin Cities since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a">Jan. 7 shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good</a>, who was killed when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fired into her vehicle. Pretti was killed just over a mile away from where Good was shot.

Bystander video obtained by AP shows details of confrontation

By&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/hannah-fingerhut">HANNAH FINGERHUT</a>

In a bystander video obtained by the AP, protesters can be heard blowing whistles and shouting profanities at agents on Nicollet Avenue.

The video shows an officer shoving a person who is wearing a brown jacket, green skirt and black tights and carrying a water bottle. That person reaches out for a man and the two link up, embracing.

The man, wearing a brown jacket and black hat, seems to be holding his phone up toward the officer.

The same officer shoves the man in his chest and the two, still embracing, fall back.

The video then shifts to a different part of the street and then comes back to the two individuals unlinking from each other. The video shifts focus again and then shows three officers surrounding the man.

Soon at least seven officers surround the man. One is on the man’s back and another who appears to have a cannister in his hand strikes a blow to the man’s chest. Several officers try to bring the man’s arms behind his back as he appears to resist. As they pull his arms, his face is briefly visible on camera. The officer with the cannister strikes the man near his head several times.

A shot rings out, but with officers surrounding the man, it’s not clear from where the shot came. Multiple officers back off of the man after the shot. More shots are heard. Officers back away and the man lies motionless on the street.

Defense Secretary says ICE is greater than Minnesota

By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/michelle-l-price">MICHELLE L. PRICE</a>

Pete Hegseth posted on the social platform X to thank God for the “patriots” who work for ICE and said, “we have your back 100%.”

The Pentagon chief added: “Shame on the leadership of Minnesota — and the lunatics in the street. ICE &gt; MN.”

Hegseth was born and raised in Minnesota.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —The man who was shot and killed by a federal officer during an immigration operation has been identified as 37-year-old Alex Pretti. His parents told The Associated Press that Pretti was an intensive care unit nurse.

Trump weighs in on the shooting in Minneapolis

Trump posted to his Truth Social account after a man was killed by federal officers during an immigration enforcement action in Minneapolis. Trump's statement said:

“This is the gunman’s gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go – What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE Officers? The Mayor and the Governor called them off? It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves — Not an easy thing to do! Why does Ilhan Omar have $34 Million Dollars in her account? And where are the Tens of Billions of Dollars that have been stolen from the once Great State of Minnesota? 

We are there because of massive Monetary Fraud, with Billions of Dollars missing, and Illegal Criminals that were allowed to infiltrate the State through the Democrats’ Open Border Policy. We want the money back, and we want it back, NOW. Those Fraudsters who stole the money are going to jail, where they belong! This is no different than a really big Bank Robbery. Much of what you’re witnessing is a COVER UP for this Theft and Fraud.

"The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric! Instead, these sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! 12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today!””

DHS says officers fired “defensive shots”

Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that federal officers were conducting an operation as part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-renee-good-immigration-sweeps-6ae64be5a0d6a718b658a938fb56e567">Trump administration’s immigration crackdown</a>.

She said officers fired “defensive shots” after a man with a handgun approached them and “violently resisted” when officers tried to disarm him. O’Hara said police believe the man was a “lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.”

Police chief says man shot and killed was a ‘lawful gun owner’

O’Hara said the man’s only previous interaction with law enforcement as far as he knew was for traffic tickets.

"And we believe he is a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry,” he said.

Police chief asks public, law enforcement to remain calm

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara appealed for calm, both from the public and from federal law enforcement, following the shooting of a man.

“Our demand today is for those federal agencies that are operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands,” the chief said.

“We urge everyone to remain peaceful. We recognize that there is a lot of anger and a lot of questions around what has happened, but we need people to remain peaceful in the area.”

Police also clarified that the age of the man shot is 37.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal immigration officers shot and killed a man Saturday in Minneapolis, drawing hundreds of protesters in a city already shaken by another fatal shooting weeks earlier.

The details surrounding the shooting weren’t immediately clear, but Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the person was shot amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said a 37-year-old man was killed.

He urged people to remain peaceful and not to destroy the city after federal immigration officers shot and killed a man Saturday in Minneapolis.

O’Hara said there was limited information about the shooting. He called on people to leave the area and said it’s “not sustainable.”

Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told the AP in a text messages that the person had a firearm with two magazines and that the situation was “evolving.” DHS also distributed a photo of a handgun they said was on the person who was shot.

The shooting happened amid widespread daily protests in the Twin Cities since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a">Jan. 7 shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good</a>, who was killed when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fired into her vehicle. Saturday's shooting unfolded just over a mile away from where Good was shot.

After the shooting, an angry crowd gathered and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them “cowards” and telling them to go home. One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: “Boo hoo.” Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car. Protesters dragged garbage dumpsters from alleyways to block the streets, and people who gathered chanted, “ICE out now,” referring to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

“They’re killing my neighbors!” said Minneapolis resident Josh Koskie.

Federal officers wielded batons and deployed flash bangs on the crowd.

Walz, a Democrat, said in a social media post he had been in contact with the White House. He urged President Donald Trump to end what the Department of Homeland Security has called its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-ice-noem-minnesota-somali-db661df6de1131a034da2bda4bb3d817">largest-ever immigration enforcement operation</a>.

“Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now,” Walz said in a post on X.

The shooting happened a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ice-immigration-protest-unions-faith-leaders-edc6c4884f8cc26be9ad34a28d82a7a5">thousands of demonstrators</a>&nbsp;protesting the crackdown on immigrants crowded the city’s streets in frigid weather, calling for federal law enforcement to leave.