Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, told Newsmax on Friday that people using vehicles as weapons against law enforcement is on the rise.
"We're seeing that tactic massively increase," McLaughlin said on "Greg Kelly Reports."
"We've seen 10 of these in the last 72 hours," she added. "We've seen hundreds in the last year."
"It's up 3,200%," McLaughlin continued. "It's got to stop.
"And it doesn't matter if you're a Republican or a Democrat or independent. You don't impede law enforcement, and you certainly don't assault law enforcement."
McLaughlin was appearing after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis and two people were shot by Border Patrol agents in Portland, Oregon.
McLaughlin said people need to remember that the United States is a country of law and order.
"If you are not obeying law enforcement commands and you are interfering with federal law enforcement operations, and then you weaponize your vehicle to hit a law enforcement officer, then they're dangerous," McLaughlin said.
"And in this case, deadly consequences," McLaughlin added. "We do pray for everyone involved."
"No one should lose their humanity in this moment or ever, no matter what side of this you're on," McLaughlin continued. "But I think we really need to put the facts first.
"And I encourage every leader from Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey and beyond to use some real sense. Focus on the facts and not your feelings," she added, referring to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
"If you don't like the rule of law on the book, go lobby Congress," McLaughlin concluded.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Sam Barron ✉
Sam Barron has almost two decades of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, crime and business.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.