John Dolmayan Calls Out Minnesota Governor
System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan took to his Instagram Story to criticize Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. In his post, Dolmayan suggested there was a connection between recent unrest and a major fraud investigation in the state.
He shared a post that said, “Weird that ICE are operating in dozens of states, but it only gets violent in the one where we just uncovered a billion dollar fraud ring with probable links to the governor.”
The comment quickly drew attention because of Dolmayan’s history of speaking openly about U.S. politics, even when his views differ from those commonly associated with his band.
Support for Donald Trump
Dolmayan has previously explained his support for U.S. President Donald Trump in a 2025 interview with Australian YouTuber Lilian Tahmasian. He confirmed that he voted for Trump in the 2024 election and said, “I’m glad he won, because it brings a little sanity back. Irrespective of what you hear out there, it’s much more sane with him than it was without him.”
He also spoke about immigration, saying the U.S. needs borders and structure. “We need law and order,” he said, while adding that America should still welcome immigrants who follow legal processes.
Controversy and Ongoing Debate
Dolmayan has said his views have cost him friendships and followers. Still, he insists he is not loyal to any political party, explaining, “I’m a realist. Whatever’s good for people, that’s what I’m gonna fight for.”
Fatal Shootings in Minnesota
Earlier this month, two people were killed in separate incidents involving U.S. immigration officers in Minnesota. Renée Good was fatally shot by an immigration officer. Days later, Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at a veterans’ hospital, was killed after being stopped by border agents. His death led to protests and public anger across the country, along with criticism from lawmakers from both major political parties.
Trump’s Response
President Donald Trump spoke about Pretti’s death while talking to reporters before a rally in Iowa. He called the incident “a very unfortunate incident.” When asked whether he agreed with claims that Pretti was a “domestic terrorist,” Trump said he had not heard that description. He later added that Pretti should not have been carrying a gun.
DHS and Kristi Noem’s Statements
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the actions of the agents. She said Pretti was not peacefully protesting and accused him of trying to cause violence. The Department of Homeland Security also stated that the agents fired in self-defense after Pretti resisted attempts to disarm him.
Conflicting Accounts and Video Evidence
Eyewitnesses and local officials challenged the federal account. They said Pretti was holding a phone, not a gun. Video reviewed by BBC Verify showed no weapon in his hand. Authorities later confirmed that the gun was legally owned and had already been removed before Pretti was shot. A preliminary report from border officials also did not say that Pretti was reaching for a firearm.
