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Noem Faces Criticism Over Journalist Shooting Claims

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. s-criticism-over-journalist-shooting-claims.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 4:09 GMT by TheWrap
      Locales: South Dakota, New York, Montana, UNITED STATES

Sioux Falls, SD - January 31st, 2026 - South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is facing mounting criticism, spearheaded by journalist Bari Weiss, for her initial public statements regarding the shooting of Alex Prettie, a freelance journalist covering protests against the Keystone XL pipeline. The incident, which occurred in 2025, continues to reverberate through media circles and raises critical questions about political opportunism, journalistic safety, and the responsibility of public figures in disseminating information, especially during times of crisis.

Prettie, a seasoned freelance journalist known for his independent reporting, was documenting demonstrations against the controversial pipeline when he was struck by gunfire allegedly from a member of the South Dakota National Guard. While investigations are ongoing, Governor Noem immediately asserted that Prettie was 'shot by a left-wing activist,' a claim that has been widely disputed and demonstrably contradicted by initial reports identifying the shooter as a National Guardsman deployed as part of the protest security detail.

Bari Weiss, a prominent voice in independent journalism and a vocal critic of partisan bias, has been particularly scathing in her condemnation of Noem's statements. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Weiss posed a stark rhetorical question: "If a Republican governor had said that a Black Lives Matter activist shot a white protester, would we be pretending this was just a misunderstanding?" Her point is clear: Noem's hasty and inaccurate assessment is not merely a mistake, but a dangerous display of political manipulation, leveraging a tragic incident for partisan gain.

The core of the controversy lies in Noem's swift assignment of blame before a proper investigation could be completed. This pre-judgement, critics argue, not only disrespects the ongoing investigative process but actively attempts to shape public narrative. The immediate framing of the shooter as a 'left-wing activist' served to preemptively discredit potential criticisms of law enforcement or the National Guard's actions, and to align the incident with a broader political agenda.

This incident has renewed attention on the increasingly fraught environment faced by journalists covering protests, particularly those involving contentious political issues. The Keystone XL pipeline, even after its cancellation by the Biden administration, remains a symbol of environmental activism and political division, attracting passionate - and sometimes volatile - demonstrations. Journalists operating in these spaces face inherent risks, ranging from verbal harassment to physical assault. However, the added layer of politically motivated misinformation, as allegedly displayed by Governor Noem, significantly exacerbates these dangers.

Prettie's family, understandably devastated by the shooting, has issued a statement demanding a thorough and impartial investigation. "My son, Alex Prettie, is a journalist and a human being," said his mother. "We are devastated by what happened to him." Their plea underscores the human cost of this incident and the urgent need for accountability. They have also questioned the lack of immediate and critical scrutiny of Noem's claims by major media outlets, alleging a hesitancy to challenge a prominent political figure.

The incident also raises important questions regarding the role of media platforms in amplifying potentially false or misleading information. Weiss specifically criticized the uncritical repetition of Noem's statements, arguing that responsible journalism demands a rigorous fact-checking process, particularly when dealing with claims made by public officials. The speed at which unverified information can spread through social media necessitates a more proactive and cautious approach to reporting, she contends.

Beyond the immediate aftermath, the Prettie shooting is likely to have lasting repercussions. Legal experts predict potential lawsuits against the state of South Dakota, seeking accountability for the actions of the National Guard and alleging negligence in providing adequate security for journalists and protesters alike. The incident is already fueling calls for greater protections for protest journalists, including clearer guidelines for law enforcement interactions and improved safety protocols.

The Department of Justice announced earlier this week that it is launching its own independent investigation, separate from the state-level inquiry. This federal probe will focus on determining whether Prettie's civil rights were violated and whether there was any evidence of a coordinated effort to misrepresent the facts surrounding the shooting. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Governor Noem's political future.

The shooting of Alex Prettie serves as a stark reminder of the increasing dangers faced by journalists in today's polarized climate and the crucial importance of holding those in power accountable for their words and actions.