Andy Cohen Slams Trump Admin For 'Gaslighting' Public Following Deadly ICE Shooting

Andy Cohen took a moment to address the unrest unfolding in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following the second deadly shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

On a recent episode of "Watch What Happens Live," Andy Cohen, who has used his platform in the past to endorse Democratic candidates and slam Republican leaders, essentially accused the current administration of "gaslighting" the public.

Cohen highlighted the case of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who was gunned down by ICE agents after becoming involved in an altercation with them during an immigration operation.

According to national news reports, videos, and eyewitness accounts, Pretti was not brandishing a gun and did not appear to be a threat to the ICE agents on the scene. In fact, Pretti was holding his iPhone in one hand, while the other was empty.

"He was a licensed gun owner, with a gun that was not drawn. While ICE agents fired off at least ten shots as he [lay] there on the ground," Cohen said.

"Now, I’ve seen a lot of gaslighting on the Housewives. And that is all fun and games. But we need to believe what we’re seeing with our own eyes. Our government is allowing anonymous masked agents to execute its own citizenship, and then lie about it," Cohen said.

Cohen's comments follow claims from Republican leaders and Department of Homeland Security officials that Pretti was a "domestic terrorist who tried to assassinate law enforcement." Videos of the horrifying incident appear to contradict this narrative, sparking widespread pushback.

Pretti's family also released a statement after learning of Trump's administration's characterization of the medical professional, begging for the media to get the "truth" out there about their son.

The family called Pretti a "kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital."

In the moments leading up to Pretti's death, he became involved in an altercation with an ICE agent after attempting to create space between them and a woman. Videos show ICE spraying Pretti with an unknown substance shortly before tackling him to the ground and firing at least 10 shots.

While his family didn't want to label Pretti a "hero," they highlighted that his "last thought and act was to protect a woman."

"The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting," the statement read before finishing with, "Please get the truth out there about our son."

Pretti's death sparked passionate responses from other major celebs, including NBA athletes, pop stars, and former political leaders, according to The Blast.

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton wrote on X, "Alex Pretti was murdered," voicing his disapproval of ICE's handling of the situation.

Ariana Grande reshared statements to her Instagram Stories, calling for the abolition of ICE, while Olivia Rodrigo branded ICE's actions "unconscionable."

According to CBS News, Governor Tim Walz said that he and President Trump had a "productive" phone call on Monday, January 26, just two days after Pretti's death. During the conversation, the two agreed to explore reducing the number of federal agents currently stationed in Minnesota.

Governor Walz also requested "impartial investigations of the Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents" be conducted, to which Trump reportedly agreed to speak with DHS officials "about ensuring the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is able to conduct an independent investigation, as would ordinarily be the case."

The phone conversation between Trump and Walz follows the former Vice Presidential candidate calling out the POTUS during a news conference on Sunday.

"What's the plan, Donald Trump?" Walz said. "What do we need to do to get these federal agents out of our state? If fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, then you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."