Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes
Episode: BREAKING: MN Shooting Victim IDed, New Video of Incident
Date: January 24, 2026
Hosts & Guests: The Bulwark Team (notably Host/Moderator, Sarah Longwell, Andrew Egger)
Overview
This episode is an in-depth, real-time response to newly surfaced video and official statements regarding the fatal shooting of Alex Preddy, an ICU nurse, by federal agents (CBP/ICE) in Minneapolis. The Bulwark team discusses the discrepancy between government accounts and video evidence, media coverage, and political reaction—including statements from President Trump, Greg Bevino (federal official), and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The show also addresses community outrage, the response of local authorities, and the implications for civil liberties.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Immediate Facts and News Updates
- Victim Identified: Alex Preddy, an ICU nurse, confirmed as the victim ([01:00]).
- New Video Released: Second angle provides far more graphic, unambiguous evidence of the shooting ([01:00–03:55]).
- Trigger Warning: Hosts warn listeners about the disturbing nature of the new footage.
2. Real-Time Reactions to the Video
- Sarah’s Play-by-Play: Reacts with shock and horror, noting Preddy is seen filming and then stepping in to help a woman pushed by an agent ([02:51–03:47]).
- Andrew Egger’s Analysis:
- Direct Refutation of DHS Narrative: Contradicts claims that Preddy approached agents with a gun, emphasizing that video shows Preddy being dragged and disarmed before being shot ([04:10–06:48]).
- Quote: “Their first statement... is completely obliterated by what we just watched. … The last deliberate act alive on the earth is to try to kind of shield this woman.” – Andrew Egger ([04:10])
- No Threat Justification: “You could not draw up a script for a less justifiable police shooting.” – Andrew Egger ([10:25])
- Host Summary: Preddy was assisting a woman after she was pushed, not confronting officers or brandishing a weapon ([07:36]).
3. Political Reactions and Official Statements
- Greg Bevino’s Press Conference:
- Quote: “This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.” – Greg Bevino ([12:38], [14:30])
- Hosts and guests immediately dispute these claims as “abominable lies.”
- President Trump’s Posts:
- Targets Preddy for having a “loaded gun,” accuses local officials of failing to protect ICE, and pivots to baseless accusations against Rep. Ilhan Omar ([19:20], [20:00]).
- Quote: “Trump sees these shootings as these, like, little speed bumps… He’s mad that these things make news. … It’s a complete abdication of... the President of the United States.” – Andrew Egger ([20:00])
- Stephen Miller’s Claims:
- Refers to Preddy as a “domestic terrorist,” again called out by panel as “not even close to what happened” ([09:16]).
4. Discussion of Legal and Civil Liberties Issues
- Weapon as Pretext: Panel highlights hypocrisy over gun rights rhetoric versus real-world reaction to Preddy’s gun possession ([15:50–18:22]).
- Panel Argument: Legal gun ownership by protestors is spun as justification for deadly force—direct contradiction with Second Amendment rhetoric ([15:50–16:49]).
- Quote: “If any of them ever have a gun at any point in time, that is a pretext for them to be shot.” – Andrew Egger ([16:49])
- Law Enforcement Narrative: Focuses on DHS's, ICE's, and Trump administration's pattern of issuing false, inflammatory statements post-incident ([17:00–18:22]).
5. Minnesota Response: Governor Tim Walz’s Press Conference
- Insistence on Peace and Investigation: Walz calls for removal of federal agents and urges calm, while stressing difficulty in a fair investigation given federal interference ([25:40–27:41]).
- Quote: “We will not be stonewalled… you have the most powerful people in the federal government spinning stories and putting up pictures… to spin a narrative.” – Gov. Walz ([25:50])
- Denunciation of Federal Occupation:
- Asserts “federal occupation… stopped being about immigration enforcement” ([19:30]).
- Calls out federal agents for causing chaos and violence.
- On Law Enforcement:
- “Quit referring to these people as law enforcement. They are not law enforcement. … We have law enforcement who do an incredible job.” ([27:41])
- State and local law enforcement affirm their readiness to address violent offenders, rebuffing federal claims of inaction ([38:24]).
6. Evidence Tampering and Scene Management
- Concerns raised about handling of Preddy’s phone and potential manipulation of evidence, given that federal agents left the scene rapidly after the shooting ([45:29–47:57]).
- Sarah: “Now they're grabbing his phone the same way that they have tried to use the picture of his gun to represent something that clearly didn't happen.” ([46:56])
- Host underscores lack of standard investigative procedures and potential cover-up ([45:34–47:57]).
7. National Guard and Public Safety
- National Guard activated to support local authorities but primarily to secure federal property and maintain order, not to directly confront federal agents ([34:16–35:12]).
8. Final Reflection and Emotional Tone
- Sarah’s Closing: “Call them out for lying. Do not let them lie to you. … [Preddy] was murdered. They are lying about it.” ([49:10])
- Host: “Anyone who like pretends to care about our constitutional government should have their blood boiling...” ([44:38])
- Host and Guests: Express outrage, emphasize the importance of citizen video, and salute protestors documenting events despite personal risk ([48:05–48:30]).
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
On the Shooting and Video
- “What the fuck did you just do? What the fuck did you just do? What the fuck?” – Sarah, reacting to video ([03:47])
- “It’s just all right there on camera… the guy who is eventually shot is not involved with the initial altercation. … His last deliberate act alive… is to try to kind of shield this woman.” – Andrew Egger ([04:10])
- “He is not a threat. ... The thing, Jason: this Stephen Miller thing… That's what he said—A domestic terrorist tried to assassinate federal law enforcement. That is not what happened. It's not even close.” – Sarah ([09:07–09:16])
On Misinformation
- “Maximum damage and massacre law enforcement. He wanted to massacre law enforcement. Well, then why was he videotaping…?” – Host ([14:30])
- “It is an atrocious, cynical, abominable lie that we can all see as untrue.” – Sarah ([14:44])
On Law, Rights, and Hypocrisy
- “Just having a weapon with… magazines is pretextual justification for murder now on the street…” – Host ([15:50])
- “They meant we, they meant us… It’s okay for MAGA to… ransack [the Capitol]. … But if any of them ever have a gun… that is a pretext for them to be shot.” – Andrew Egger ([16:49])
On Investigation and Accountability
- “You kill a man and then you just leave… Is there a single case in American history where you just walk away?” – Gov. Walz ([36:16])
- “Our hearts are very much with the people that are standing out there. Thank God we have cameras, because what do you think these people are doing when the cameras aren't on them?” – Sarah ([49:10])
Timestamps for Major Segments
| Segment Topic | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Episode opening, new developments | [01:00–02:51] | | Panel reaction to new shooting video | [02:51–04:10] | | Analysis of DHS narrative & video | [04:10–07:51] | | Discussion of official statements & Trump posts | [07:51–12:36] | | Greg Bevino’s press conference, panel reaction | [12:38–14:44] | | Rights, gun ownership hypocrisy | [15:50–19:12] | | Trump’s provocative social media reactions | [19:20–21:30] | | Tim Walz’s press conference, detailed responses | [25:24–39:53] | | Evidence, scene management issues | [45:29–47:57] | | Closing thoughts, call for accountability | [48:05–50:26] |
Conclusion
This episode provides a comprehensive, minute-by-minute account and analysis of the latest federal agent-involved shooting in Minnesota. The Bulwark team draws sharp contrasts between official narratives and hard video evidence, calling out government misinformation and demanding accountability. They parse through political spin, legal questions, and underscore the vital role of protestors and citizen documentation. Throughout, the tone is urgent, deeply critical of federal actions, and supportive of peaceful protest and local leadership.