Critical Thinking Through Current Events – Minneapolis January 2026

Critical Thinking Through Current Events: Minneapolis, January 2026

What do the facts show?

In January 2026, federal agents killed two unarmed citizens in Minneapolis. In both cases, official statements claimed the agents acted in self-defense. In both cases, physical evidence—video footage, autopsy reports, bullet trajectories—contradicted those claims.

This unit teaches students to evaluate evidence for themselves.

Students examine bodycam footage, bystander video, autopsy findings, and official statements. They learn to distinguish observable facts from interpretations, identify where official narratives break down, and apply the critical thinking tools from The Critical Thinker's Toolkit to real events with real consequences.

This unit includes:

• Background on two killings with documented physical evidence
• Cognitive bias activities on confirmation bias and identity-protective cognition
• Tool application activities using Toolkit Lessons 2-11
• Legal analysis framework examining self-defense claims (grades 7-12)
• Case study on the arrest of journalists and its effect on available evidence
• Complete answer key with sample responses
• Discussion questions for deeper exploration

Designed for flexibility:

• Works standalone with included Quick Reference Guide
• Or use after completing Toolkit Lessons 2-11
• Activities can be selected based on time and student age

What makes this unit different: When video shows a car turning away and an autopsy shows a bullet entering through the side window, the claim that the driver was "coming at" the agent is not a matter of perspective. It is a factual dispute that evidence can resolve.

This unit teaches students that critical thinking matters most when events are controversial, stakes are high, and powerful institutions have reasons to shape the narrative.

Part of The Learner's Toolkit: The Critical Thinker's Toolkit, Level 2