White House aide Stephen Miller was reportedly behind false claims that slain activist Alex Pretti was planning to "massacre" law enforcement when federal agents killed him in Minnesota on Saturday.
According to Axios, Miller ordered Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to make the claim about Pretti after he died.
"Everything I've done, I've done at the direction of the president and Stephen," Noem insisted in remarks that were reported by Axios.
One source told the publication that officers involved in the shooting "all shut up and got lawyers real quick, so there wasn't a lot of information."
Miller then directed DHS to assemble a statement, including information about Pretti's firearm.
"Stephen heard 'gun' and knew what the narrative would be: Pretti came to 'massacre' cops," one source pointed out.
Miller later asserted in a post on X that Pretti was an "assassin." The language was repeated by Noem and Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino.
The White House held a meeting with Noem on Monday, but Miller was not present.
"Noem has complained to others that she feels she's being hung out to dry over the episode and has made sure to emphasize she took direction from Miller and the president," Axios reported.