Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressing frustration and outrage after learning that the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will not be allowed to take part of the investigation into the ICE agent who shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis Wednesday.
“The investigation would now be led solely by the FBI, and the BCA would no longer have access to the case materials, scene evidence or investigative interviews necessary to complete a thorough and independent investigation,” Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said in a statement.
The announcement came as protestors and law enforcement clashed Thursday morning outside a Minneapolis immigration court, with the governor urging restraint and schools canceling classes as a precaution.
"It feels very, very difficult that we will get a fair outcome," Walz announced. "And I say that only because people in positions of power have already passed judgment. From the president, to the vice president, to Kristi Noem, have stood and told you things that are verifiably false."
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called the shooting the result of "domestic terrorism," accusing the woman, Rene Good, of weaponizing her car in an attempt to hit federal officers.
"The only way we find the answers is a thorough investigation by nonpartisan professionals," added the governor.
Again, Walz called for calm in the face of growing tension, saying "don't give them what they want."
The Minnesota BCA was initially brought into the investigation Wednesday.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison told CNN Thursday that excluding state investigators all but ensures an inherently untrustworthy investigation.
"Do what is right, do what is wise, do what is best for this country, and have an inclusive joint investigation that includes cooperation by state and local authorities," Attorney General Ellison explained.
No reason for the decision was given for the FBI changing course, Noem announced on Thursday the state had "no jurisdiction" in the case. But Minnesota Commissioner of Public Safety Bob Jacobson said in other cases involving federal officers, the state has participated, even if the federal government led that investigation.
Ellison added he is still hopeful the state will get involved, and the federal officials change course.
"And we've been trying to figure out how can we get somebody at the FBI, somebody, to understand the damage that they're doing with this kind of decision. Hopefully, they'll reverse it. I don't know," he said.