Conflicts

Federal Agents Placed on Leave Following Minneapolis Shooting; 'Ghost Student' Scam Under Investigation

Illustration for: Federal Agents Placed on Leave Following Minneapolis Shooting; 'Ghost Student' Scam Under Investigation
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Jan 29, 2026

THE BARE STORY

Federal agents involved in the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have been placed on paid administrative leave, according to sources familiar with the matter. On January 28, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security submitted an initial report regarding the killing to Congress. Reports indicate that former President Trump has shifted his tone regarding the incident, while the portrayal of Pretti by some officials has sparked a backlash centered on Second Amendment rights.

Separately, investigators are examining a "ghost student" scam reportedly costing millions of dollars. The scheme allegedly involves thieves using stolen or fake identities to enroll in colleges and fraudulently apply for federal financial aid, including Pell grants and loans.

In broader national developments, the U.S. government faces a potential shutdown due to a legislative standoff over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, the Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday that it would maintain current interest rates. These events coincide with severe winter weather affecting large portions of the country, causing power outages in the South and widespread travel disruptions as a Nor’easter threatens the East Coast.

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• Backlash over the victim's portrayal The portrayal of Alex Pretti by certain officials has sparked a negative response from some segments of the public. Reports state that this backlash is centered on concerns regarding Second Amendment rights in relation to the incident.

• Shifts in leadership rhetoric Former President Trump has reportedly shifted his tone regarding the Minneapolis shooting. This change in rhetoric marks a development in how the event is being discussed in the political sphere following the initial reports.

• Legislative conflict regarding funding A legislative standoff over funding for the Department of Homeland Security has created the potential for a government shutdown. This dispute highlights the ongoing political friction surrounding the agency's budget and operations.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader: Federal services could be disrupted or suspended if the current legislative standoff regarding funding for the Department of Homeland Security results in a government shutdown.

Residents in the South and East Coast face immediate risks of power outages and widespread travel delays due to severe winter storms and an approaching Nor’easter.

Borrowing costs for loans and mortgages are expected to remain stable in the near term following the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain current interest rates.

Federal financial aid systems may see increased scrutiny as investigators address a multi-million dollar scheme involving stolen identities used to fraudulently obtain Pell grants and loans.

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