Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem explained the reasoning behind her previous statements regarding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, in which she referred to him as a “domestic terrorist,” during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity. Noem said she relied on the “best information” that was available at the time and sent to her from agents and officers who were present during the shooting. 

“That situation was very chaotic,” said Noem. “We were being relayed information from on the ground from CBP agents and officers that were there. We were using the best information we had at the time, seeking to be transparent toward the American people and get them what we knew to be true on the ground.”