GOP Senator Confronts Kristi Noem Over Denial of Previous Statement on ICE Killing: 'You Clearly Stated It'

During a tense Senate hearing, Senator John Kennedy challenged Secretary Kristi Noem over her earlier remarks on two fatal ICE shootings, pressing her to clarify whether she labeled the victims as domestic terrorists, a claim Noem repeatedly denied despite on-record statements.

During a Senate hearing held on Thursday, Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) rigorously questioned Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem regarding her public statements on two fatal shootings conducted by ICE agents in Minneapolis. The discussion concentrated on whether Noem had previously described the victims, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, as being involved in acts of domestic terrorism before the incidents occurred.

Senator Kennedy Seeks Clarification on Investigations

The exchange began with Senator Kennedy inquiring about the investigations into the shootings:

Kennedy: "After the two killings in Minneapolis, and I think there's a lot of video on them, Madam Secretary. I think people can see the video and draw their own conclusions. Are you and your department conducting an investigation of those?"

Noem: "Sir, the investigation is being led by the FBI. HSI was involved, in fact. Are HSI agents on the ground?"

Kennedy then directly addressed Noem's previous remarks:

Kennedy: "I believe at the time you said these were acts of domestic terrorism, is that right?"

Noem: "Sir, in answer to questions at the press conference that afternoon, it appeared to be."

Kennedy: "You said these appeared to be acts of domestic terrorism."

Noem: "And as I've said previously in this hearing, it is that."

Media Reports and Attribution to White House

Kennedy highlighted media coverage of Noem's statements and pressed her on whether she attributed the remarks to a White House aide:

Kennedy: "It has been widely reported you called the protest domestic terrorism. Did you say that? You blamed those statements on Mr. Stephen Miller at the White House, did you not?"

Noem: "No, sir, I did not. And in fact, where you're seeing that is in a news article with anonymous sources. Anonymous sources say a lot of things, but I’ve never said that at all."

On-the-Record Remarks from January 27, 2026

Kennedy presented a direct quote from Noem on January 27, 2026:

Kennedy: "Here's what you said on the record: 'Everything I've done, I've done at the direction of the President and Stephen.'"

Noem: "Sir, where did you see me say that? You read that in a news article with no sources affiliated to it."

Kennedy: "You said it on the record on January 27th, 2026. Did you? Did I read your words accurately?"

Noem: "I enjoy working with the President and with Stephen Miller, and that day we were working to get as much information to the American people as possible. That is what we will continue to do."

Denial and Ongoing Dispute

Noem consistently denied blaming Stephen Miller or making statements attributed to her:

Kennedy: "Do you think it was fair to blame Mr. Miller?"

Noem: "Sir, I did not do that. You're reading from a newspaper article with anonymous sources."

Kennedy: "Are you denying that you said that?"

Noem: "Sir, I'm not going to speak to that situation that is relayed on anonymous sources that no one has heard me say."

Kennedy: "This wasn't anonymous. It was you. They're quoting you on the record saying it’s Stephen's fault. Thank you, Mr. Chairman."

Implications and Federal Oversight

The confrontation highlighted tensions over public statements regarding law enforcement operations and the interpretation of official commentary. Noem repeatedly referenced anonymous news sources as the basis for disputed claims, while Kennedy stressed the existence of an on-the-record statement. The hearing is part of wider scrutiny of ICE actions and official communications following high-profile law enforcement incidents. The roles of federal agencies including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in investigating the fatal shootings were emphasized. Multiple media outlets noted the continuing disagreement between the Senator and the Secretary regarding the exact wording and attribution of Noem's prior remarks.

Sources:

• GOP Senator Corners Kristi Noem After She Denies Past Statement on ICE Killing: ‘You Said It on the Record’
• Kristi Noem Denies Calling Alex Pretti A ‘Domestic Terrorist’
• Kristi Noem faces senators over DHS shutdown, immigration enforcement