DHS said Salvadoran national Juan Ayala Ramos, 28, who was previously identified as Juan Melgar-Ayala, injured four officers at a QuikTrip in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wednesday before being killed at the scene by responding officers. (Department of Homeland Security)
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented that "despite multiple previous criminal arrests, he remained at large in American communities."
McLaughlin said that "this violent criminal illegal from El Salvador shot four police officers and a 61-year-old man in cold blood in Omaha on December 3." She added that "DHS sends our condolences to Michael Kasper, who is in serious condition, and all officers involved in these horrific attacks and prayers for a full recovery."
"We are thankful for the Omaha Police Department for their brave actions to stop this criminal’s shooting rampage," she added.
Court records indicate Ayala-Ramos had a history of felony burglary convictions in Douglas County, according to local media KETV. In 2021, he reportedly entered no-contest pleas to two burglary charges tied to a series of business break-ins and thefts. He also admitted guilt in multiple traffic-related cases involving driving without a valid license or proof of insurance, the outlet said.
The Omaha Police Department said of Ayala-Ramos that "family members have reported he suffered from mental health-related issues." The department said, "Detectives are continuing to investigate how he obtained the handgun used in both violent incidents."
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(From top left) Detective Jordan Brandt, Sgt. Jonathan Holtrop, Detective Kyle Graber, Detective Chris Brown, Detective Brock Rengo and Sgt. Emilio Luna responded to a shooting at a QuickTrip in Omaha, Nebraska, on Dec. 3, 2025. (Omaha Police Officers Association)
Nebraska Republican Gov. Jim Pillen said the incident further proves "Nebraska must continue to do our part to assist the Trump Administration and the Department of Homeland Security in their efforts to get criminal, illegal aliens off our streets."
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"This keeps Nebraska safe. It keeps America safe. I’m proud that we are stepping up and making a difference for our country," said Pillen, adding, "Thank God the OPD officers shot by Melgar-Ayala face non-life threatening injuries. The men and women of law enforcement are heroes — and protect us every day."
Fox News Digital's Bonny Chu contributed to this report.
Peter Pinedo is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dhs-exposes-violent-record-illegal-alien-shot-police-officers-critically-injured-civilian