Noem calls Minneapolis vehicle attack 'act of domestic terrorism,' says DOJ will prosecute

Kristi Noem, identified in the transcript as secretary of homeland security, described a recent enforcement incident in Minneapolis that she called an "act of domestic terrorism." She said ICE officers were "out in enforcement action" and were attacked while trying to free a vehicle stuck in snow; according to Noem, "an officer of ours acted quickly and defensively" and a woman who attacked officers "was hit and is deceased." Noem said authorities were "continuing to gather more information" and that the Department of Justice was being engaged to pursue prosecution as domestic terrorism.

Noem linked the incident to a broader enforcement response, saying she had deployed "over 2,000 more officers to the Minneapolis area" and that in the last two days "we've arrested hundreds and hundreds of dangerous criminals," which she described as part of an intensified enforcement posture. She framed the event as an example of the risks law enforcement face and criticized sanctuary jurisdictions, saying "sanctuary cities and sanctuary states that protect individuals who do that should no longer be allowed."

The briefing did not include independent incident reports, charging documents or evidence presented during the remarks; Noem described the law-enforcement account and the department's response but did not provide specific names, charge details or case numbers. The description of the incident and the classification as "domestic terrorism" were statements by the official; Noem said prosecutors in the Department of Justice were being engaged to determine charges.

Noem also used the exchange to reiterate general enforcement priorities and to highlight recent operational activity in multiple jurisdictions. The event did not include statements from local Minneapolis officials or the Department of Justice about the incident; readers should regard the official's account as the department's characterization pending independent public records or prosecutor filings.