Trump Ally Bovino Accidentally Detonates Smoke Bomb on Himself
Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino recently faced significant scrutiny during an incident involving smoke bombs while overseeing federal operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This confrontation occurred amidst rising tensions between federal agents and local protesters.
Incident Details
On a day marked by unrest, Bovino, 55, was filmed as he attempted to deploy a smoke canister in a public park. The event took place at approximately 2:30 p.m. in Mueller Park, located within the Whittier neighborhood. Video footage captured him struggling to pull the pin from the smoke canister, ultimately engulfing himself in a stream of green smoke.
Bovino’s attempt to clear the crowd featured dramatic warnings. He announced, “I’m gonna gas. Get back. Gas is coming,” before throwing the smoke canister into the air. This action drew immediate reactions from protesters, many of whom began to flee the area.
Background Context
Bovino’s handling of crowd control is under scrutiny, particularly following a federal appeals court’s recent lifting of an injunction that previously restricted the use of pepper spray and detentions for peaceful protesters in the state. This incident signals a shift in tactics, as Bovino has previously faced legal challenges related to the use of tear gas. A U.S. District Judge in Chicago criticized his approach during a previous incident, emphasizing the need for restraint in riot control measures.
Reactions and Consequences
- Witnesses reported multiple arrests and saw several protesters coughing from the smoke.
- Green stains from the smoke canisters marked the snow where it settled.
- A loaded rifle magazine mistakenly left behind by agents was later recovered by the Minneapolis police department.
The smoke canister used during the incident was labeled “pocket tactical green smoke,” indicating that it is intended for use by trained law enforcement personnel. This raises questions about the appropriateness of its deployment in civilian settings.
Public and Legal Reaction
Following the chaos, Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the agents involved had been “repeatedly harassed.” Meanwhile, the legal and public fallout from the Minneapolis incident continues to unfold, echoing previous concerns raised about the actions of Border Patrol agents across different cities.
Bovino, widely regarded as a controversial figure in immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, remains at the forefront of federal operations targeting undocumented individuals, having received directives directly from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The recent Minneapolis incident illustrates the ongoing tensions between federal authorities and local communities, especially regarding the methods used in crowd control and immigration enforcement strategies.
