(ABC 6 News) — On Thursday, Gov. Walz announced he has authorized the Minnesota National Guard to be staged and ready to support local and state law enforcement in protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining public safety.
Related: Gov. Walz says National Guard is prepared to deploy if needed to assist public safety
It comes following a shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday in which a woman was shot and killed by an ICE agent.
Related: Federal law enforcement agent shoots, kills civilian in Minneapolis
Related: ICE officer involved in Minneapolis shooting identified
“Minnesotans have met this moment. Thousands of people have peacefully made their voices heard. Minnesota: thank you. We saw powerful peace,” said Gov. Walz. “We have every reason to believe that peace will hold. Yesterday, I directed the National Guard to be ready should they be needed. They remain ready in the event they are needed to help keep the peace, ensure public safety, and allow for peaceful demonstrations.”
The Minnesota State Patrol has also mobilized 85 members of its Mobile Response Team.
According to Gov. Walz’s office, the National Guard will serve in a support role by focusing on protecting property, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and allowing local law enforcement to focus on community safety and investigative responsibilities.
In the hours following the shooting, both Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Gov. Walz denounced the shooting and called for ICE to leave Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota.
However, many in the Trump administration have defended the actions of the ICE agent with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem saying he acted in self defense.
The FBI has taken full control of the investigation into the shooting, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
rysker6 on January 9th, 2026 at 00:05 UTC »
21’-25 was a therapeutic respite from this god damn insanity.
Sweet Christ.
They killed a woman yesterday.
Killed her.
And MAGA is saying it’s justified
It’s a fucking cult
1Bahamas-Rick2 on January 8th, 2026 at 22:02 UTC »
He ended his bid for reelection and is seemingly acting more boldly as a result, I don't know what his analysts are telling him but these bold public moves are what people want more of from him. Once his polling numbers go back up I wonder if he will want to run again, I love this dude.
Serious_Berry_3977 on January 8th, 2026 at 21:50 UTC »
I would not have guessed Civil War 2 would start in MN