Border Patrol’s Bovino Confirms Dead Suspect Was Armed and Violent, Takes Questions from Reporters [WATCH]

Greg Bovino, the commander leading United States Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection operations in Minneapolis, addressed reporters during a press conference to detail a deadly incident involving an armed suspect who approached federal agents during a targeted operation.

“Good afternoon. Thank you all for being here today. I’m Gregory Bovino, and I have the privilege and honor of leading United States Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection here in Minneapolis, some of those brave men and women of Border Patrol and Department of Homeland Security law enforcement join me here today to show support for all federal law enforcement who have been under constant attack in Minneapolis for weeks now,” Bovino said.

Bovino said the incident occurred at 9:05 a.m. Central Standard Time as DHS law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis involving an illegal alien identified as Jose Huerta Chuma.

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“This morning was no different. At 9:05am, Central Standard Time as DHS law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien. Jose Huerta, Chuma, you can see this illegal alien on the screen to my left and right, that is Jose Huerta-Chuma, whose criminal history includes domestic assault to intentionally inflict bodily harm, disorderly conduct, and driving without a valid license,” Bovino said.

According to Bovino, during that operation, a separate individual approached Border Patrol agents while armed.

“During this operation, an individual approached us Border Patrol agents with a nine millimeter semi automatic handgun. The agents attempted to disarm the individual, but he violently resisted, fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, a Border Patrol agent fired defensive shots,” Bovino said.

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Bovino stated that emergency medical personnel immediately responded but were unable to save the suspect.

“Medics on the scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject, but the subject was pronounced dead at the scene,” he said.

Bovino added that the suspect was carrying additional ammunition and had no identification.

“The suspect also had two loaded magazines and no accessible ID. This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement,” Bovino said.

Following the shooting, Bovino said a large group arrived and began interfering with officers.

“Then about 200 rioters arrived at the scene and began to obstruct and assault law enforcement. Crowd control measures have been deployed for the safety of the public and law enforcement,” he said, adding that the situation remains under investigation.

“This situation is evolving and more information is forthcoming,” Bovino said.

Bovino also discussed the experience and training of the agent who fired the shots.

“The officer was highly trained and had been serving as a Border Patrol agent for eight years. The officer has extensive training as a range safety officer and less lethal officer,” he said.

During the press conference, Bovino criticized what he described as a pattern of violence directed at federal officers nationwide.

“As mentioned, this is only the latest attack on law enforcement across the country. The men and women of DHS have been attacked, shot at doxed, had their family members threatened, and as we have seen, more than 100 vehicle railings over the past year against federal law enforcement,” Bovino said.

He also criticized local officials for how they described the incident.

“We will not allow violence against our law enforcement officers, and we need state and local help. State and local law enforcement to help us coordinate to get violent criminals off the streets. Mayor fry and chief O’Hare, just a few minutes ago, did the opposite of that by omitting the fact that the suspect had a gun and magazines full of ammunition in what looks like a situation, again, where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement,” Bovino said.

Bovino concluded by warning that interference with law enforcement will result in arrests and emphasized the role of federal officers.

“I want to reiterate what President Donald Trump, Secretary Kristi Noem, myself, Director Marcos Charles and so many others have said time and again, if you obstruct a law enforcement officer or assault a law enforcement officer, you are in violation of the law and will be arrested,” Bovino said.

“Our law enforcement officers take an oath to protect the public. We go to work every day to protect our friends, our neighbors and our fellow citizens. The fact of the matter is that the law does not enforce itself. It takes men and women who are willing to risk their lives to enforce it. The men and women of CBP and ice law enforcement are highly trained professionals who love this country and do this work because they want to leave their kids and their grandkids a country that’s safe and secure,” he said.

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