Vice President JD Vance has doubled down on a controversial label, refusing to retract his endorsement of a claim that painted the late Alex Pretti as a dangerous threat.

On Jan. 24, 37-year-old anti-ICE protester Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent and a Customs and Border Protection agent during a struggle in Minneapolis. Hours after the incident, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller labeled Pretti an “assassin” on social media, a post Vance reposted from his personal account.

Federal authorities are now investigating the shooting, while the involved agents have been placed on administrative leave and the Justice Department examines potential civil rights violations, the New York Post reported. The issue has ignited fierce debate over law enforcement actions and the rhetoric surrounding this tragic event. While some demand apologies for the harsh language used against Pretti, others see the situation as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by federal agents on the front lines.

Vance Holds Ground Amid Criticism

Vance, when pressed by The Daily Mail on Tuesday about retracting the “assassin” description, offered no apology and dismissed the question with a sharp retort. “For what?” he snapped, signaling he sees no need to backtrack on supporting Miller’s initial post.

This isn’t just about a word; it’s about standing by those who protect our borders. Vance’s refusal to bend under pressure shows a commitment to letting facts emerge before caving to public outcry, a refreshing change from the usual political groveling we see when the left cries foul.

Adding to his stance, Vance emphasized the importance of due process. “Let’s do the investigation,” he urged, pointing out the need to determine if the officers acted lawfully or if they had a reasonable fear during the encounter. This measured approach cuts through the noise of instant judgment that often clouds these cases.

Incident Sparks Political Firestorm

The shooting itself unfolded on Jan. 24, a day that quickly spiraled into a political lightning rod. Video evidence reportedly shows Pretti was disarmed before the fatal shots, yet Vance’s repost of Miller’s claim remains online, unapologetic and unflinching.

On the other side, you’ve got voices like Sen. Chris Murphy pushing an anti-ICE narrative, demanding the agency leave Minneapolis and urging Congress to defund it. This kind of rhetoric, hours after a violent clash, ignores the real risks agents face daily and plays into a tired, soft-on-crime playbook.

President Trump, meanwhile, took a more cautious tone on Jan. 27, distancing himself from Miller’s specific wording while still condemning Pretti’s actions. He called the incident “very unfortunate” but didn’t shy away from noting Pretti’s possession of a firearm and loaded magazines, a detail that raises serious questions about intent.

Trump and Homan Step In

Trump’s leadership shines through in his response, describing the event as a tragedy while keeping focus on the broader issue of armed confrontations. His decision to send border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to ease tensions is a proactive move, showing a commitment to stability in a city already on edge.

The agents involved have been sidelined on administrative leave, a standard step to ensure transparency. With the Justice Department probing for civil rights issues, there’s a clear effort to balance accountability with the presumption of good faith for those enforcing our laws.

Let’s not forget the bigger picture: federal agents don’t sign up for easy desk jobs. They’re out there facing unpredictable threats, and while every loss of life is regrettable, rushing to vilify them before the facts are in plays right into the hands of those who want to dismantle our border security.

Investigation Must Guide the Outcome

Vance reiterated on Tuesday that the investigation must clarify whether the officers’ actions were justified. This isn’t about dodging responsibility; it’s about ensuring that justice isn’t swayed by the loudest voices in the room, especially those who reflexively side against law enforcement.

What happens next in Minneapolis could set a precedent for how we handle these high-stakes encounters. If the investigation finds wrongdoing, consequences should follow, as Vance noted—but if the agents acted within reason, their service deserves respect, not scorn.

In a culture quick to tear down those who protect us, Vance’s stand is a reminder that truth isn’t found in hashtags or outrage mobs. It’s found in careful, deliberate inquiry, and until that’s complete, the rush to judgment is just another distraction from the real issues at our borders.