WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem after court documents revealed serious factual inconsistencies in DHS’ account of the October 4th, 2025, shooting of a United States Citizen by one of their agents in Chicago, Illinois. Murphy asked that Noem either clarify or publicly redact claims by DHS Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, including that Border Patrol Agents were boxed in by ten vehicles, that the victim of the October 4th shooting possessed and brandished a weapon at law enforcement, and that Chicago Police Department officers failed to assist DHS agents after the assault.

Murphy sought information on whether someone at DHS leaked potentially criminal evidence concerning the shooting to far-right online activist Laura Loomer, asking Secretary Noem to provide information about how Loomer was able to tweet sensitive information she said was provided to her by a ‘DHS source.’

“I write today seeking clarification of public statements that representatives of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made on October 4th, 2025, regarding recent allegations of doxxing and assault on federal agents near Chicago, Illinois. I ask you to correct the public record by redacting the misleading and inaccurate facts,” wrote Murphy.

He continued: “As you know, on October 4th, at approximately 10:30 in the morning, at least three Border Patrol Agents (BPA) were involved in a use-of-force incident outside of Chicago, Illinois, where at least one BPA discharged their duty weapon at a United States Citizen (USC). Less than three hours later, DHS Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin released a statement justifying such use of force. Among other statements, she asserted that the BPAs were boxed in and followed by approximately ten vehicles, implied that the alleged perpetrator had a weapon and brandished such weapon at the BPAs, and that local officers with the Chicago Police Department failed to render aid to DHS agents after the alleged assault occurred.”?

Murphy emphasized misinformation from DHS could diminish public trust in government and harm law enforcement efforts: “As of today, the evidence appears to contradict each of these assertions, leading me to reexamine other public statements by DHS officials. As you know, when the government misrepresents or lies about events involving the safety and wellbeing of federal law enforcement, it erodes public trust, making their jobs much harder. I know you share my commitment to the safety and wellbeing of these agents and officers, which is why I am writing to ask you to correct the record and answer the following questions.” ?

Murphy also asked that Noem provide any vehicle or body camera footage of the assault, clarify DHS policies regarding body cameras and the use of force, and explain why body cameras were not operational during the October 4th assault.

The full letter is available below and HERE.

I write today seeking clarification of public statements that representatives of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made on October 4th, 2025, regarding recent allegations of doxxing and assault on federal agents near Chicago, Illinois. I ask you to correct the public record by redacting the misleading and inaccurate facts.?

As you know, on October 4th, at approximately 10:30 in the morning, at least three Border Patrol Agents (BPA) were involved in a use-of-force incident outside of Chicago, Illinois, where at least one BPA discharged their duty weapon at a United States Citizen (USC). Less than three hours later, DHS Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin released a statement justifying such use of force. Among other statements, she asserted that the BPAs were boxed in and followed by approximately ten vehicles, implied that the alleged perpetrator had a weapon and brandished such weapon at the BPAs, and that local officers with the Chicago Police Department failed to render aid to DHS agents after the alleged assault occurred.?

As of today, the evidence appears to contradict each of these assertions, leading me to reexamine other public statements by DHS officials. As you know, when the government misrepresents or lies about events involving the safety and wellbeing of federal law enforcement, it erodes public trust, making their jobs much harder. I know you share my commitment to the safety and wellbeing of these agents and officers, which is why I am writing to ask you to correct the record and answer the following questions.?

As such, please provide responses to the following questions or requests by November 16th:

  1. On October 5th at 5:50pm, Laura Loomer tweeted photos of Ms. Martinez’s vehicle which she alleges a “DHS Source” provided her. Provide details of how Ms. Loomer received these photos and describe whether DHS is investigating the leak of alleged criminal evidence to Ms. Loomer.
  2. Did any DHS official access any criminal, biographical, or publicly available information about Ms. Martinez before the alleged assault occurred on October 4th?
  3. Provide a complete copy of all body camera footage captured by any federal official before, during, and after the alleged assault occurred on October 4th.
  4. Provide the current body camera policy for Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
  5. Please describe why body cameras were not operational before, during, and after the alleged assault occurred on October 4th.
  6. If the DHS vehicle was equipped with a camera, provide all footage captured before, during, and after the alleged assault occurred on October 4th.
  7. Provide current agency policy, or policies, concerning the use of force by CBP.
  8. Describe any internal personnel reviews or investigations that have commenced, or will commence, to review the agent’s use of force and specify whether DHS put the agent who discharged their firearm on administrative review.
  9. Were any of the BPAs in the DHS vehicle an agent Ms. Martinez was accused of doxxing? Provide the definition of doxxing used by DHS.

I appreciate your attention to this request. If you have any questions about the content of this letter, please contact my Chief Counsel.