The 54-45 vote was the final step in a rapid approval process. Once sworn in, Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter with a fiery personality, will oversee the nation’s immigration enforcement, border protection and airport security.

Mullin had previously said Pretti was deranged and was attempting to do maximum damage when he approached federal agents. During the hearing, Mullin said he regretted his comments but would not apologise to Pretti’s family until the investigation into the incident is done.

He noted that he would not make similar comments as Homeland Security secretary.

“I can have different opinions with everybody in this room, but as secretary of homeland I’ll be protecting everybody,” Mullin said. “My goal in six months is that we’re not in the lead story every single day.”