‘Fire Kristi Noem Into the Sun’: National Review’s Scathing Op-Ed Targets DHS Secretary After Minneapolis Shooting

The conservative magazine National Review published a blistering op-ed on Monday calling for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after she made contested public statements about the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.

Footage from Saturday’s incident shows Pretti filming Border Patrol agents when an agent appears to shove a woman to the pavement. Bystander video shows Pretti move to assist the woman, then become surrounded by agents who removed his holstered, permitted firearm. After being disarmed, agents fired on Pretti, striking him 10 times and killing him.

Immediately after the shooting, Noem publicly described the encounter in strong terms. A DHS statement quoted her saying the individual "went and impeded their law enforcement operations, attacked those officers, had a weapon on him and multiple dozens of rounds of ammunition, wishing to inflict harm on these officers, coming, brandishing like that." She also characterized the incident as an act of "domestic terrorism." Critics say those assertions were premature and not supported by the available video.

National Review Op-Ed: ‘Fire Kristi Noem Into the Sun’

On Monday the National Review ran an opinion piece by Jeffrey Blehar titled "Fire Kristi Noem Into the Sun." Blehar excoriated Noem for what he described as a knee-jerk demonization of Pretti and urged President Donald Trump to remove her from office. The op-ed used stark language to argue that Noem’s statements have amplified political damage and undermined public trust while the facts remain under review.

"Any hope of Trump’s presidency clawing its way out of the hole it has dug for itself begins with firing Kristi Noem... Preferably out of a rocket, and into the sun."

Blehar went on to argue that the administration needs damage control and described Noem as one of the most visible sources of that damage. He contrasted Noem’s early comments with the video, writing that he saw "a guy executed while face down on the street."

Official Responses and Personnel Moves

Following the incident, the Trump administration withdrew Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Greg Bovino from Minneapolis. The Atlantic later reported Bovino is being removed from his position and will be returned to California, where he is expected to retire. That report also suggested Noem’s job could be at risk.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Bovino was not relieved of his duties but did not clarify his current status. Meanwhile, CNN reported that Bovino was locked out of his government social media accounts.

Officials have indicated investigations are ongoing, and independent reviews of the video and agent actions will be essential to establish a full factual record. The controversy has intensified debate about the use of force by federal agents, the speed of official statements after critical incidents, and accountability within DHS leadership.