ICE Agent Accidentally Fires Gun in Hotel Room, Hits Neighboring Bed

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A retired federal agent rehired by ICE as part of Kristi Noem's mass recruitment push accidentally discharged his gun in a hotel room, firing one round through the wall that came to rest in the headboard of the bed in the room next door. The agent, Bradley Shaver, was attempting to remove the backstrap of his Glock 19 when the weapon fired, narrowly missing the occupant of the neighboring room.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about the vetting and training of federal agents brought on under Noem's aggressive ICE recruitment drive, which has been criticized for lowering hiring standards and attracting unfit candidates. It also highlights the potential danger posed to hotel workers and guests when armed federal agents are staying at hotels.

The details

According to a police report, on the evening of Dec. 18, Shaver had been holding his Glock 19 aimed toward his own body as he worked to pry off its backstrap when the weapon fired. The bullet tore through his sweatshirt pocket, punched through the wall, and lodged in the headboard of the room next door, at roughly stomach height. The occupant of the neighboring room, Aaron Wukawitz, had just arrived at the hotel and was making his way down the hallway when he heard the gunshot.

• On the evening of December 18, the incident occurred.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Eagan Police collected Shaver's firearm and ammunition but made no arrest and pursued no criminal charges. The incident raises questions about the vetting and training of federal agents brought on under Noem's aggressive ICE recruitment drive.