A newly released video directly challenges the Trump administration’s narrative surrounding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, revealing that Pretti was not armed or threatening federal agents as officials had claimed.
In a dramatic turn of events on January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old registered nurse and community activist, was shot and killed by federal immigration agents during an operation in south Minneapolis. The incident, which occurred on Nicollet Avenue, was captured by multiple witnesses using their phones, providing a clear record of the confrontation.
Video evidence reviewed by news outlets shows Pretti standing on the street holding his phone, apparently recording the federal officers as they conducted their enforcement activities. He can be seen directing traffic to allow cars to pass, and at one point, he steps in to assist a woman who was violently pushed to the ground by an agent.
Contrary to the video, senior Trump administration officials quickly portrayed Pretti as a dangerous armed suspect. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Pretti had ‘approached US border patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun’ and intended to ‘massacre law enforcement.’ Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bonvino echoed these claims, alleging that Pretti violently resisted agents.
However, the footage reveals a different sequence. After helping the fallen woman, Pretti was pepper-sprayed by agents and then tackled to the ground. As several officers swarmed him, one agent reached towards Pretti’s lower back and retrieved what appeared to be a gun, but Pretti never brandished or pointed any weapon. Moments later, another agent fired multiple shots, killing Pretti.
In response, Pretti’s family issued a heartfelt statement condemning the administration’s account as ‘reprehensible and disgusting lies.’ They emphasized that Alex was holding only his phone and had his hands raised while trying to protect others, calling for the truth to be exposed about his character and the circumstances of his death.
The discrepancy between the official narrative and the video evidence has sparked widespread outrage and legal action. Witnesses, including a physician and the woman who recorded the video, have filed sworn affidavits denying that Pretti ever held a gun, supporting a lawsuit by the ACLU over the federal deployment. This has raised serious questions about the accuracy of statements from high-ranking officials and the use of lethal force.
This incident occurs amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement and government transparency. It highlights the potential for misinformation to shape public perception rapidly, especially in politically charged environments. The video’s release has intensified calls for independent investigations into the shooting and accountability for those who disseminated false information.
As the story develops, the Trump administration has continued to defend its version of events, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. The widespread sharing of the video on social media and news platforms ensures that the truth will remain in public view, pushing for justice and clarity in a case that underscores the importance of eyewitness documentation in holding power to account.
