Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club

Episode Title: DONKEY: Kristi Noem Blames Alex Pretti In Fatal ICE Shooting
Release Date: January 26, 2026
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Podcast: The Breakfast Club (iHeartPodcasts)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Charlamagne Tha God delivers the "Donkey of the Day" to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem for her public comments blaming Alex Preddy, an ICU nurse, after his fatal shooting by ICE agents during a protest in Minneapolis. The hosts dissect Noem’s narrative, contrast it with video evidence and eyewitness accounts, and discuss the larger implications for law enforcement accountability, constitutional rights, and the manipulation of reality by authoritarian-leaning authorities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context of the Shooting – Who Was Alex Preddy?

• Alex Preddy, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and US citizen, was fatally shot by ICE agents in Minneapolis while attempting to assist a woman being pushed by agents at a protest.
• He had a valid concealed carry permit, was reportedly not resisting at the time, and was shot multiple times in the back.
• (03:32) ABC News Report: "Thousands braving sub zero temperatures in protest...Multiple graphic videos from the scene show Preddy appeared to try to help a woman who'd been pushed by a federal officer...he was holding a cell phone before he was shoved by a federal agent, pepper sprayed and pulled to the ground...Three officers appearing to grapple with Preddy...one agent appearing to repeatedly hit him...One federal officer appears to draw a handgun while another agent appears to be seen removing a gun from Preddy's waistband...10 shots were fired in less than five seconds."
• Eyewitnesses insisted Preddy was not resisting and was shot while subdued. He had no criminal record.

2. Kristi Noem’s Narrative

• Kristi Noem immediately placed the blame on Preddy, calling him a violent rioter and suggesting his actions amounted to domestic terrorism because he was armed at a protest—even though he had a legal permit.
• Noem's response: (06:03) News Reporter (quoting Noem): "An individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 millimeter...The officers attempted to disarm this individual, but the armed suspect reacted violently...the agent fired defensive shots...This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage...This is a violent riot...that is the definition of domestic terrorism."
• She painted Preddy as arriving with intent to harm law enforcement, despite video evidence suggesting otherwise.

3. Charlamagne’s Response: Authoritarian Manipulation & Gaslighting

• Charlamagne sharply critiques Noem and federal officials for their "exercise in power" and refusal to engage truthfully with the facts.
• He connects the official spin to classic authoritarian strategies: control of information, reality distortion, and public confusion.
• (07:24) Charlamagne: "They are attempting to dictate your perception of reality because that is a core feature of authoritarianism...If they can shape your perception of reality, controlling behavior becomes way easier...they redefine language, normalize the absurd, create an enemy narrative."
• He highlights the absurdity of questioning why someone would be legally armed at a protest in a “gun everywhere” culture, contrasting it with accepted norms in other civilian settings (e.g., Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, the South).

4. The Constitution and Double Standards

• Charlamagne points out the hypocrisy of constitutional defenders suddenly scapegoating those exercising rights guaranteed by the very document they claim to protect.
• (04:57) Charlamagne: "They are demonizing this man for exercising his constitutional right to bear arms. He had a concealed carry permit and had his gun in his holster, and they are using that to justify his killing...How many people in the Trump administration are going to continue to wipe their ass with the document that represents the supreme law of the United States?"

5. Consequences for Political Actors

• Charlamagne predicts that figures like Noem will eventually be discarded by the same regime they defend, drawing a stark historical parallel to Nazi Germany and its aftermath.
• (10:30) Charlamagne: "The Nazis ultimately lost...Leaders of the Nazi regime were prosecuted and tried as war criminals...Christy, this is where people like you are headed...You will be thrown under the bus by the same authoritarian regime you are caping for."

6. Call to Maintain Grip on Reality

• He emphasizes the necessity for Americans to “protect your grip on reality,” warning that authoritarianism succeeds when people doubt their own perceptions or surrender to official narratives.
• (11:54) Charlamagne: "Protect your grip on reality, individually and collectively...Authoritarianism only works when people doubt their own perception or give it up to the powers that be. Even if you disagree on values, we gotta defend shared facts."

7. Racial Implications and Societal Reckoning

• He pointedly wonders how society will respond now that police violence has also resulted in the death of a white individual, suggesting this could mark a turning point.
• (12:36) Charlamagne: "We always wondered, how would America react if law enforcement started recklessly killing white people in the street the way they have historically done to people of color? Well, we about to find out."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Charlamagne on reality distortion:

  “They are attempting to dictate your perception of reality because that is a core feature of authoritarianism.” (07:24)

• On constitutional hypocrisy:

  "They are demonizing this man for exercising his constitutional right to bear arms." (04:57)

• Calling out Noem & the administration:

  "Authoritarian regimes aren't loyal to anyone...Even Donald Trump is refusing to back your claim." (09:27)

• On history and hope:

  “The Nazis ultimately lost…If you need any hope, always remember that the Nazis ultimately lost.” (10:30)

• On defending reality against propaganda:

  "Protect your grip on reality, individually and collectively...Authoritarianism only works when people doubt their own perception or give it up to the powers that be." (11:54)

• On white victims of police violence:

  "We always wondered, how would America react if law enforcement started recklessly killing white people in the street the way they have historically done to people of color? Well, we about to find out." (12:36)

Important Timestamps

• 02:09: Opening remarks on police-community tensions
• 03:32: ABC News audio report details shooting of Alex Preddy
• 04:57: Charlamagne critiques the vilification and scapegoating of Preddy
• 06:03: Kristi Noem’s press statement blaming Preddy
• 07:24: Discussion of reality distortion and authoritarian tactics
• 09:27: Trump distances himself from Noem's defense of the shooting
• 10:30: Historical comparison to Nazi Germany and warnings for officials
• 11:54: Urgent call to defend shared facts and reality
• 12:36: Reflection on shifting dynamics of police violence and racial reckoning

Tone & Language

Charlamagne delivers his commentary with urgency, passion, and clarity, employing direct rhetoric, analogies, and historical references. The mood is sober but defiant, with calls for vigilance against propaganda and reminders of historical justice. The segment is both a condemnation of official spin and a rallying cry for civic reality-checks and accountability.

Summary Usefulness:
This summary offers a full account of the episode’s content, themes, and significant remarks, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a comprehensive understanding of the conversation and its broader significance in the current political and social landscape.