Minneapolis Police Chief O’Hara Joins ‘Face the Nation’ with Margaret Brennan, Jan. 25, 2026

On January 25, 2026, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara appeared on CBS’s “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan to discuss recent violent incidents in the city. O’Hara addressed the concerns surrounding law enforcement’s response to a recent shooting involving a resident, Pretti, who was reportedly exercising his Second Amendment rights.

Investigation into the Shooting Incident

During the interview, Chief O’Hara stated that the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was called to investigate the shooting, but they faced initial barriers to entering the scene. O’Hara expressed concern that critical evidence may have been lost by the time they were allowed access.

Concerns About Evidence Collection

• The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension experienced restrictions on accessing the scene.
• O’Hara emphasized the lack of communication from federal law enforcement regarding the investigation.
• He noted that numerous witnesses and important evidence may still be unexamined.

Context of the Events

Chief O’Hara highlighted that the incident marked the third shooting in under three weeks. He pointed out the challenges faced by the Minneapolis Police Department, which operates with a reduced staff of just 600 officers after significant turmoil in 2020.

Community Dynamics

The chief expressed that public sentiment is tense. He noted that individuals are frustrated with ongoing violence and the police’s ability to manage the situation. O’Hara advocated for a collaborative approach to restore stability in the community.

Second Amendment Rights Under Scrutiny

Questions arose regarding Pretti’s legal rights. Chief O’Hara asserted that there was no evidence indicating Pretti had brandished his weapon during the incident. He remarked on Minnesota’s concealed carry laws, stating that they permit lawful possession of firearms during protests.

Federal and Local Law Enforcement Relations

O’Hara addressed allegations concerning the role of local police in supporting federal immigration efforts. He defended the Minneapolis Police Department’s capabilities, noting that they could not be expected to manage ongoing chaos alone, especially with their limited resources.

Future Steps for Law Enforcement

The chief mentioned that the National Guard has been involved in supporting local police operations. However, he expressed doubts about the sustainability of this assistance moving forward, given the ongoing challenges faced by his department.

Law Enforcement Dismay

Addressing broader concerns, O’Hara remarked on the resignation of several officials from the Minneapolis U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. He expressed disappointment over the impact of public perceptions on law enforcement morale and capability.

In conclusion, Chief O’Hara’s appearance on “Face the Nation” highlighted significant challenges facing the Minneapolis Police Department, particularly regarding recent shootings, community relationships, and the need for improved collaboration among law enforcement agencies.