Stephen Miller Admits to Possible Protocol Breach Before Alex Pretti Shooting

Stephen Miller, a senior advisor in the White House, acknowledged potential protocol inconsistencies that may have occurred before the shooting of Alex Pretti. His remarks reflect a notable shift in tone regarding the incident, which has drawn significant attention.

Key Developments Surrounding Alex Pretti’s Shooting

On Tuesday, Miller stated that officials are examining why Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Minneapolis might not have adhered to established protocols. This acknowledgment marks a rare moment of accountability from Miller, who is known for his staunch immigration enforcement stance.

Official Statements and Reactions

• Miller noted that the White House had provided clear directives to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the actions of personnel in Minnesota.
• He emphasized the importance of maintaining a physical barrier between arrest teams and potential disruptors during operations.
• Miller’s statement represents a shift from earlier characterizations of Pretti, who was initially labeled a “would-be assassin” by Miller, while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem described him as committing “an act of domestic terrorism.”

Video evidence later revealed that Pretti had been disarmed and surrounded by law enforcement before he was shot. President Donald Trump contradicted Miller’s earlier remarks, claiming he had not endorsed the narrative labeling Pretti as a domestic terrorist.

Internal Administration Dynamics

On the day of the incident, Noem maintained constant communication with White House staff, including Miller. Reports indicate Trump had been privately supportive of the officer involved in the shooting, despite conflicting accounts about how many officers fired their weapons.

During their discussions, Noem had indicated her intent to adopt a confrontational stance when addressing the shooting in her press briefings. However, with mounting criticism of her and Miller’s handling of the situation, Trump signaled a desire to recalibrate the narrative surrounding the shooting.

Trump’s Shift in Tone

On Tuesday, Trump took a more conciliatory approach regarding the incident in Minnesota. He expressed the need for a decrease in tensions while acknowledging the Republican Party’s growing unease with the fallout. Trump stated he would replace Gregory Bovino with border czar Tom Homan to lead operations on the ground.

• Trump described the change in leadership as a “little bit of a change” rather than a full pullback.
• He acknowledged Bovino’s skills while suggesting that his approach may not have been suitable for the situation at hand.

Despite the controversies, sources suggest that neither Miller nor Noem’s positions are currently in jeopardy. According to insiders, Trump is reluctant to dismiss long-standing aides, including Miller, who has been part of the administration for over a decade.

In summary, the scrutiny on DHS’s actions and the adjustments in White House messaging illustrate the complex dynamics following the troubling incident involving Alex Pretti. As developments unfold, the administration’s strategy will likely continue to evolve.