'Muzzle down!' Kristi Noem shocks as she points gun at officer's head in video

Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, drew mockery — and concern — on social media after posting video showing her holding an assault rifle with the muzzle pointed toward the head of a law enforcement officer.

"Human traffickers. Drug Smugglers. 18th Street Gang members. Spent the morning in Phoenix with our brave @ICEgov and Arizona law enforcement arresting these dirtbags and getting them off of our streets," Noem posted Tuesday along with the video introducing officers "Michael" and "Brian."

Quite a few military veterans replied to the video, expressing concern for "Brian," who was standing to the secretary's left.

One veteran reposted the photo with the word, "Ummmmm....." and a cringey-face emoji, while another questioned, "just why is she holding a weapon she isn’t authorized to have?" Still another wrote, "You probably shouldn't hold that or at least know what you're doing."

Political analyst David Fitzpatrick posted, "Great, okay but could we at least practice better gun safety measures for a photo op? I appreciate the work, the collaboration, the optics, but gun handling is a pet peeve of mine. Muzzle down, or pointed in a safe position loaded or unloaded - unless engaging a target."

J.D Luckenbach, a liberal influencer with 12,000 X followers, posted, "Kristi has the weapon pointed at the officer's head. Her always playing dress up is going to get somebody killed.."

"Perfect form. 100% natural. Great job media team," mocked podcaster Good Morning Liberty, while polling company Rasmussen Reports wrote, "This looks ridiculous and like you pulled rank on the officers to hold a big gun."

Later in the day, Noem reposted video of an arrest that was witnessed by controversial LibsOfTiktok creator Taylor Lorenz, who was along for the stake-out.

"This illegal was so mad he was getting arrested so he tried blocking us and hiding with his CROC. DHS Secretary Noem: “You’re not scaring me with your crocs," LibsOfTiktok posted.

Watch the video below or at this link.