Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) became one of the first Republican lawmakers Tuesday to demand the “termination” of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid mounting frustration over the fatal shootings of two citizens by federal immigration officers in Minnesota.
Tillis, who is not seeking reelection in November, said he’d lost “all” confidence in Noem and has “communicated” to the White House that Trump should fire her if she refuses to resign.
“I think she’s out of her depth,” Tillis said. “She’s proven that she doesn’t know how to lead, how to de-escalate. She’s exposing ICE officers to dangerous situations. She’s exposing U.S. citizens to deadly, deadly situations.”
Tillis questioned Noem’s judgment for accusing Alex Pretti, the anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protester who was killed by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis over the weekend, of perpetuating “domestic terrorism” in the immediate hours after the deadly encounter.
DHS GRAPPLES WITH PR NIGHTMARE AFTER ALEX PRETTI SHOOTING IN MINNEAPOLIS
“What sort of judgment is that, for somebody who’s running a very consequential, important organization?” Tillis said.
Tillis’ call for Noem to resign or be fired was echoed by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) on Tuesday.
This is a developing story and will be updated with additional information.