US Man Shoots Off-Duty ICE Official in Fresno After Alleged Assault
According to Fresno police, a 72-year-old man shot an off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement official early Friday morning after the official allegedly assaulted both the man and his daughter on their property. The official, identified as David Gonzalez, was hospitalized and faces felony charges including battery likely to cause great bodily injury and felony vandalism.
Key points
- A 72-year-old man shot an off-duty ICE official in California on Friday morning.
- Fresno police stated the official, David Gonzalez, appeared intoxicated and agitated after being found sleeping on a front lawn.
- Gonzalez allegedly physically assaulted the 72-year-old homeowner and his daughter before the shooting.
- An off-duty police officer who is the daughter's boyfriend arrived shortly after and handcuffed Gonzalez.
- Gonzalez faces felony charges while the investigation continues.
What Happened
A 72-year-old man shot an off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement official in California early on Friday morning after the official allegedly assaulted him and his daughter on their property, according to Fresno police. The ICE official, identified as David Gonzalez, was receiving medical care after being shot in the midsection.
Police stated that at about 3am, a woman found Gonzalez sleeping on her and her father's front lawn. After she attempted to shoo him away, Gonzalez woke up appearing intoxicated and agitated, and physically assaulted the 72-year-old father, forcing him to the ground. When the daughter intervened, Gonzalez allegedly attacked and took her to the ground as well. The father then shot Gonzalez once, fearing for their physical safety. Shortly afterward, the daughter's boyfriend, an off-duty police officer, arrived and placed handcuffs on Gonzalez.
Context
Local authorities reported that it remains unknown why Gonzalez was in the area at the time of the shooting, though it was confirmed he was off-duty and alone. Gonzalez was booked with battery likely to cause great bodily injury, felony vandalism, and battery while in custody receiving medical treatment. Neither the father nor the daughter was booked with any crimes as they recovered from their injuries.
The confrontation adds to recent scrutiny regarding federal ICE officials facing allegations of criminal behavior, amid broader nationwide criticism of the agency's arrest, detention, and deportation tactics during Donald Trump's second term.
