#Noem Denies Use of Chemical Agents in #Minnesota, Then Backtracks
#KristiNoem, the homeland security secretary, said officers had not used pepper spray and similar measures limited by a judge’s order, then was confronted with a video that showed chemical agents deployed.
By Minho Kim, Reporting from Washington, Jan. 18, 2026
"Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, denied in a televised interview on Sunday that her department had used pepper spray and similar tactics curtailed by a judicial order issued last week, then backtracked and blamed protesters after being confronted with a video of federal agents deploying such measures against crowds in Minnesota.
" 'That federal order was a little ridiculous, because that federal judge came down and told us we couldn’t do what we already aren’t doing,' Ms. Noem said on CBS’s 'Face the Nation.'
"But after being pressed on a video that backed up the accounts provided to the court, she changed course. Protesters were to blame for the use of force, she said, adding that federal officers 'only use those chemical agents when there’s violence happening and perpetuating.' [BULLSHIT!]
"The ruling on Friday by Judge Kate M. Menendez of the Federal District Court in Minnesota said that chemical agents had been used against protesters on at least four separate occasions and called the evidence of their use 'uncontroverted.' "
Read more [gift article]:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/18/us/politics/noem-chemical-agents-minnesota.html?unlocked_article_code=1.FVA.XfrT.rTOUuD-eLtxu&smid=url-share
#KrustiGnome #ICEOut #ICEOutForGood #USPol #TearGas #Protestors #SilencingDissent