Kristi Noem Softens Rhetoric Amid Minnesota Fallout: 'We Can Always Do Better'

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has tempered her public tone following backlash over the fatal shooting of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti by federal officers, acknowledging that authorities "can always do better" as investigations into the incident continue.

In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Thursday, Noem said the hours after the shooting were marked by confusion and incomplete information. "We were using the best information we had at the time," she said, describing the scene as "chaotic" and based on what officials believed to be accurate "on the ground."

Noem confirmed that the FBI is now leading the investigation into Pretti's death, a shift from earlier statements that the bureau was assisting Homeland Security Investigations. "We will continue to follow the investigation that the FBI is leading and giving them all the information that they need," she said.

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Her remarks marked a notable shift from statements made days earlier, when she described Pretti's actions as "the definition of domestic terrorism," a characterization that drew criticism after video evidence and preliminary findings appeared to contradict initial claims.

Asked about her earlier language, Noem said authorities were still gathering information and that the investigation would clarify both Pretti's case and the earlier fatal shooting of Renee Good during enforcement operations in Minnesota. "We believe we can always do better and we seek to do that every day," Noem said.

Noem: We believe that we can always do better. We want to make sure that we not only improve protocols on the ground in chaotic and volatile situations like this but that we continue to find the truth around this situation and get the facts to the American people pic.twitter.com/2GO4aLfczv

— Acyn (@Acyn) January 30, 2026

Noem rejected calls for her resignation, saying critics on Capitol Hill were "radicals" attacking her for enforcing immigration laws. "I'm following the law, and enforcing the laws like President Trump promised he would do," she said.

The secretary also expressed support for President Donald Trump's decision to dispatch "border czar" Tom Homan to Minnesota to manage federal operations and engage with local leaders. "I'm grateful that the president had the wisdom to send Tom Homan there," she said.

Homan, however, struck a subtly contrasting note on Thursday when discussing his approach to the situation. "I didn't come to Minnesota for photo ops or headlines," he said in what some considered a jab at Noem's penchant for joining immigration agents on ride-alongs. Homan also added: "I came here to seek solutions, and that's what we're going to do, and we've come a long way."

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