Gregory Bovino Drives West After Ouster Over Shooting Incident

The recent ousting of Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol’s “commander-at-large,” has sparked significant attention following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a veteran ICU nurse from the Veterans Affairs hospital. This incident has led to immense political pressure and public outcry, culminating in Bovino’s removal from his position overseeing operations in Minneapolis.

As Bovino makes his way back to California, where he previously served before his assignment, he has attracted considerable public scrutiny. His journey began shortly after the incident involving Pretti, which occurred on January 7, 2023. Reports indicate that Bovino was in the vicinity of Minneapolis when the situation escalated due to unrest following Pretti’s death. The nurse was shot by federal agents during a confrontation that arose when he intervened between officers and a woman being forcibly restrained.

Bovino’s Controversial Journey

Bovino’s route west has been closely monitored, with observers noting the high-profile convoy as it traveled towards El Centro, California, his prior base of operations. On Tuesday evening, he paused in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he checked into a hotel. The following morning, he recorded a video message at the iconic Mount Rushmore, attempting to rally support among his federal agents, whom he referred to as part of the “mean green machine.”

In the video, shared on social media by conservative influencer Nick Sortor, Bovino expressed his pride in the work carried out by his team, controversially likening them to the historic figures depicted on the mountain. He stated, “Team, behind me are a few individuals there. That’s the original ‘Turn and Burn,’ the folks that help make America.” This statement has drawn criticism amid ongoing scrutiny of federal agents’ conduct under his leadership.

Public Reaction and Incidents Along the Route

As Bovino continued his journey into Wyoming, reactions from the public were mixed. On Thursday, a video recorded by local resident Megan Pope showed Bovino’s convoy departing from a hotel. Pope noted that she observed Bovino carrying a rifle and acknowledging onlookers. Tensions reportedly escalated during a stop in Rock Springs, Wyoming, where law enforcement was called to manage a disturbance involving protesters who confronted federal officers in the parking lot.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not provided immediate comments regarding Bovino’s travel plans. An official source indicated that his departure from Minneapolis was a “mutual decision,” following the fallout from the Pretti shooting. This incident has placed additional scrutiny on Bovino, who had previously faced backlash for a social media post featuring himself with an assault rifle in 2023.

With Tom Homan, the so-called “border czar,” now dispatched to address the situation in Minnesota, Bovino’s future remains uncertain as he continues his journey westward. The circumstances surrounding his ousting and the ongoing examination of federal agent conduct highlight the complexities of law enforcement policies and community relations in the current political climate.