Hello — Major Garrett in Washington. Tonight on The Takeout: on-the-ground reporting from Minneapolis after the Alex Pretti shooting and the federal response; rising assaults and threats against members of Congress; an extended conversation with Senator John Fetterman about DHS leadership and immigration enforcement; what the Federal Reserve’s pause means for markets; reactions from Representative Maria Elvira Salazar on Venezuela, Cuba and immigration; a humanitarian briefing on Gaza and Sudan with Save the Children’s CEO; and a reporters’ panel covering political messaging, celebrity-backed children’s savings accounts and other top stories.
Minneapolis shooting and federal response
A preliminary DHS report given to Congress says two Border Patrol agents fired during the Jan. 16 operation that resulted in Alex Pretti’s death. The document does not indicate that Pretti was shown to be brandishing a weapon, and agency statements made publicly at the outset differed from what was later provided to lawmakers. The agents were initially characterized as having acted in self-defense; they were subsequently placed on leave — a standard step after an agent-involved shooting — but the timing and conflicting accounts have drawn scrutiny.
Local officials have pushed for a joint investigation, and a federal judge has ordered preservation of all evidence while state and local authorities seek access. Key questions include whether evidence was properly handled and whether earlier federal statements prejudged the facts. Analysts warn that as immigration enforcement operations continue in communities, flashpoints remain likely. The next days will test efforts to de-escalate tensions and avoid renewed protests.
Assaults and threats against lawmakers
Several recent incidents have highlighted growing dangers for public officials. Rep. Ilhan Omar was reportedly sprayed with a liquid from a syringe during an appearance in Minneapolis; Rep. Maxwell Frost was reportedly punched at an event. The U.S. Capitol Police recorded a sharp jump in threats — nearly 15,000 last year — a marked rise over previous years.
Local police, Capitol Police and the FBI have been involved in investigating the attack on Rep. Omar, and federal charges were expected against a suspect. Officials said claims that the attack was staged are unsupported by evidence. Congress has authorized some funds so members can hire private security, but lawmakers say that money buys only limited protection and cannot replace continuous protective details.
Senator John Fetterman on DHS, Minneapolis and foreign policy
Senator Fetterman, ranking member on a Senate border subcommittee, said he urged the president to remove DHS Secretary Kristi Noem because of how enforcement operations have been handled. He criticized the Minneapolis operation as “dangerous, ungovernable urban theater,” called for an immediate stand-down to preserve life, and urged a later overhaul of tactics and policy to avoid targeting law-abiding migrants.
On foreign policy, Fetterman backed a robust U.S. presence in the Middle East to deter Iranian ambitions, welcomed progress in Venezuela, and pushed for accountability of Cuba’s leadership while supporting pro-democracy movements. He opposed threatening a government shutdown over DHS funding and argued for unbundling appropriations so reforms can proceed without jeopardizing essential functions or military pay.
Business, markets and household programs
The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, citing a still-tight labor market and inflation running above target. Economists warned that cutting rates too soon could reaccelerate inflation, with the Fed watching fiscal stimulus, tax refunds and other demand-side forces. Markets can rally even when consumer sentiment is weak because corporate earnings — particularly for high-performing firms — often drive stock gains, reinforcing a K-shaped recovery where wealthier households and tech-boosted companies outperform many consumers and small businesses.
The administration and Treasury are promoting new children’s savings accounts — seeded with $1,000 for eligible kids — and have enlisted celebrities, notably Nicki Minaj at launch events, to boost awareness. Republicans plan to highlight these accounts and other affordability measures in upcoming messaging.
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar on Venezuela, Cuba and immigration
Rep. Salazar praised U.S. measures aimed at stabilizing Venezuela and urged patience as new authorities work to restore order. She said economic pressure is a key lever and argued the Cuban regime is strained by economic collapse and shortages, urging U.S. support for pro-democracy movements in the region. On Minneapolis, she called the events abhorrent and blamed confusing immigration policy, pressing Congress to rewrite laws and clarify ICE directives.
Humanitarian update: Gaza and Sudan
Janti Soeripto, CEO of Save the Children, said reopening the Rafah crossing offers vital relief: families can reunite, the injured can reach medical care, and aid deliveries can increase. Some progress has brought more food, water, reopened bakeries and markets, but basic needs remain dire — thousands of malnourished children, inadequate winter shelter, contaminated water and persistent health risks.
In Sudan, Save the Children described an unprecedented crisis: tens of millions in need, millions displaced, and severe violence across Darfur and Kordofan. Immediate humanitarian corridors and ceasefires are critical so aid workers can reach civilians; 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 tied to the 2020 election inquiry. Amazon said it will cut about 16,000 jobs while shifting investment to AI and operational changes, offering affected U.S. workers time to apply for other roles or obtain severance. The so-called “Trump accounts” provide $1,000 seed deposits for eligible children and let families add tax-free savings, a program Republicans plan to spotlight with celebrity endorsements. Representative James Clyburn is reportedly preparing to run for re-election, even as several senior House leaders have announced retirements. Separately, political complications around the Fed chair nomination — including a Justice Department inquiry — have left some administration picks in limbo.
Closing
Tonight’s episode reflects a mix of cultural and policy stories: celebrity-backed savings accounts and campaign messaging sit beside contested immigration enforcement, mounting threats to lawmakers, Fed restraint and expanding humanitarian crises with severe human costs. The Takeout remains committed to curious, civil conversation across the lines, reminding viewers that while markets and politics often dominate headlines, the safety of public servants and humanitarian needs deserve urgent attention.