Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has announced that 17 separate incidents involving potential unlawful conduct by federal agents during “Operation Metro Surge” in Minnesota are now under criminal investigation.
Among the cases under review is U.S. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, who was captured on widely circulated video throwing a chemical canister into a Minneapolis park as protesters ran for cover.
In the footage, a voice identified as Bovino can be heard warning the crowd: “Gas is coming. Second warning.” Moments later: “Third warning. Gas, gas, gas.” Seconds after that, green and gray smoke spread through the park. Protesters coughed and stumbled. Orange spray struck people in the face. Snow on the ground turned green.
Now, prosecutors are examining whether any laws were broken.
Moriarty also unveiled a new Transparency and Accountability Project — an online portal where residents can submit photos, videos, and other evidence of alleged misconduct by federal agents. The initiative is already operational, and investigators are actively reviewing submissions.
According to Moriarty, the project became necessary because federal authorities have not provided requested information about their operations in Minnesota. Her office has issued formal evidence demands. Deadlines have reportedly passed without compliance.
“If I were a member of the public, I would want transparency,” Moriarty said, expressing frustration over what she describes as a lack of cooperation.
The investigations follow the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents — incidents that have generated more than 1,000 evidence submissions from community members. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is now compiling case files to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
Moriarty has stated that if federal agencies continue to withhold materials relevant to the investigations, her office may pursue legal action to compel disclosure.
It is an extraordinary moment: a county prosecutor publicly considering a lawsuit against the federal government in order to obtain evidence tied to potential criminal cases.
Supporters of Operation Metro Surge framed it as a decisive law-and-order initiative. But as multiple investigations move forward, the focus has shifted from enforcement to accountability.
Whether those investigations lead to charges remains to be seen. What is clear is that the scrutiny is intensifying — and for the first time, local authorities are pushing back in court-ready fashion.
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