Hello. I’m Major Garrett in Washington. Tonight on The Takeout: reporting from Minneapolis on the federal response to the Alex Pretti shooting; threats and assaults against members of Congress; an extended conversation with Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman about immigration enforcement and DHS leadership; a look at the Federal Reserve’s pause on interest-rate moves and what it means for markets; a reaction from Florida Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar on Venezuela, Cuba and immigration; humanitarian needs in Gaza and Sudan with Save the Children’s CEO; and a reporters’ panel on political messaging, celebrity endorsements for the administration’s savings accounts and other headlines.
Minneapolis shooting and federal response
– A preliminary DHS report given to Congress about the Jan. 16th Minneapolis operation found two Border Patrol agents fired weapons during the confrontation that led to Alex Pretti’s death. The report did not describe Pretti as brandishing a weapon; the agency’s initial public statements differed from what was later sent to lawmakers.
– The agents involved were initially described as moved for protection but later were placed on leave — standard protocol after an agent-involved shooting, though timing and mixed messages have raised questions.
– Local officials want a joint investigation; a federal judge has ordered the government to preserve all evidence while state and local authorities seek access. Concerns include whether evidence was handled correctly and whether federal statements prematurely drew conclusions.
– Analysts warn that as long as immigration enforcement operations continue in communities, flashpoints can re-emerge. Calls for protests and community tensions make the coming days a test for de-escalation.
Assaults and threats against lawmakers
– Several incidents of violence and threats against members of Congress were discussed: Rep. Ilhan Omar was sprayed with a liquid from a syringe in Minneapolis; GOP Rep. Maxwell Frost was reportedly punched at an event. The U.S. Capitol Police reported a sharp increase in threats — nearly 15,000 last year, a substantial rise from prior years.
– Investigations into the assault on Omar involve local police, Capitol Police and the FBI; federal charges were expected against the suspect. Public claims that an attack might have been staged were not supported by evidence, officials said.
– Congress has provided some funding so members can hire private security, but lawmakers say it only buys a limited amount of extra protection and cannot substitute for constant protective details.
Sen. John Fetterman on DHS, Minneapolis, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba
– Fetterman, ranking member on a Senate border subcommittee and a Democrat who has worked across the aisle on immigration measures, said he urged President Trump to remove DHS Secretary Kristi Noem over how operations have been handled, while calling for secure border policies that avoid targeting otherwise law‑abiding migrants.
– He described Minneapolis operations as “dangerous, ungovernable urban theater” and called for a reset — stand down, preserve life, then reform operations and policy.
– On foreign policy, Fetterman said he supports a firm U.S. presence in the Middle East to deter Iranian ambitions and welcomed progress in Venezuela; he also supported holding Cuban regime leaders accountable, saying the people of Cuba seek freedom.
– On the possibility of a partial government shutdown tied to DHS funding, Fetterman said he opposes shutting down the government and would refuse to threaten military pay; he urged unbundling appropriations to allow reforms while keeping key functions funded.
Business and markets: Fed pause, consumer sentiment and household-level programs
– The Federal Reserve left its benchmark rate unchanged, reflecting sustained labor-market strength and inflation above its target. Economists warn cutting too soon could reaccelerate inflation; the Fed is watching fiscal stimuli, tax refunds and other demand factors.
– Markets can advance even when consumer sentiment is weak because corporate earnings (especially among winners) drive stock prices. Analysts described a K-shaped economy: high-income households and AI-boosted firms performing well while many consumers and small businesses struggle.
– The Treasury Department and the administration are promoting new children’s savings accounts (“Trump accounts”), with celebrity support including Nicki Minaj at launch events. Republicans plan to highlight these and other affordability programs in messaging to voters.
Venezuela, Cuba, immigration: Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar
– Rep. Salazar praised U.S. steps in Venezuela and urged patience as the new Venezuelan authorities work to stabilize the country. She supported using economic pressure and sees signs that Cuba’s regime is vulnerable due to economic collapse and shortages; she urged standing with pro‑democracy movements in the region.
– On Minneapolis, Salazar called the events “abhorrent” and pointed to broader confusion in policy, urging Congress to rewrite immigration laws and change ICE directives so law enforcement follows clearer rules.
Humanitarian update: Gaza and Sudan
– Save the Children CEO Janti Soeripto said the Rafah crossing reopening could allow people to reunite, evacuate for medical care, and increase humanitarian deliveries. Progress after a pause has improved conditions, with more food and water, some bakeries and reopened markets, but massive needs remain: thousands of malnourished children, insufficient winter shelter, contaminated water and ongoing health risks.
– In Sudan, Save the Children described the world’s largest humanitarian crisis in numbers: tens of millions in need, millions displaced, and severe violence in Darfur and Kordofan. Humanitarian corridors and ceasefires are urgent to let aid workers reach civilians safely; sexual and gender‑based violence and other atrocities are widespread.
Other headlines and reporters’ panel
– Federal agents executed a warrant at the Fulton County Elections Office in Georgia; the search was linked to the 2020 election inquiry, according to reporting.
– Amazon announced it would cut about 16,000 jobs while investing in AI and operational changes; U.S.-based employees facing cuts were given time to seek roles or receive severance benefits.
– The administration’s “Trump accounts” offer $1,000 seed deposits for some children and the option for families to add tax-free savings. Republicans are expected to highlight these accounts on the campaign trail, using celebrity endorsements to amplify outreach.
– James Clyburn, a longtime House Democratic leader, is reportedly preparing to seek re‑election at age 85, even as other senior House leaders have announced retirements.
– The Fed chair decision is politically fraught: with the Justice Department’s inquiry into the current Fed chair, political obstacles complicate nominations, leaving some administration picks in limbo.
Wrap and tone
– Major Garrett noted the mix of lighter cultural curiosities and heavy national-security and humanitarian topics: from controversial celebrity endorsements to contested immigration enforcement, rising threats to lawmakers, Fed restraint and deepening international crises with large human costs.
– The Takeout continues to pursue “relentless curiosity, reliable civility,” and conversation across the lines, closing with a reminder that while market records and political theater can dominate headlines, humanitarian crises and safety of public servants remain urgent concerns.
