Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, in Minneapolis on Saturday, sparking protests and conflicting accounts between authorities and witnesses. The incident occurred during an immigration enforcement operation, with the Department of Homeland Security claiming self-defense while video evidence suggests otherwise.
The shooting took place on Saturday morning near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street in south Minneapolis. Border Patrol agents were conducting a targeted operation when Pretti approached, leading to a confrontation. DHS stated that Pretti had a 9mm handgun and resisted disarming, prompting agents to fire in self-defense. However, multiple eyewitness videos show Pretti holding a cell phone, not a weapon, and using his free hand to protect a woman being pepper-sprayed by agents.
Alex Pretti was a U.S. citizen working as an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. His parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, described him as a compassionate individual deeply concerned about immigration policies. He had participated in protests following the January 7 killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in the same city. The family emphasized that Pretti owned a handgun with a permit but was not carrying it during the incident, accusing the administration of spreading falsehoods.
This event is the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis this month, heightening tensions in the community. The earlier shooting of Renee Good had already sparked daily protests, and Pretti’s death has intensified calls for federal agents to leave Minnesota. Local leaders have condemned the violence, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeling the federal presence as “organized brutality” and demanding the removal of 3,000 agents.
Political reactions have been swift, with congressional Democrats calling for investigations and the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Governor Walz announced that state authorities will lead the investigation into Pretti’s death, criticizing DHS for lack of cooperation. Videos from the scene, which show agents tackling Pretti before shots were fired, have been cited as evidence contradicting the official account.
The discrepancy between DHS claims and visual evidence has fueled public outrage. DHS shared a photo of a firearm allegedly belonging to Pretti, but Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with no significant criminal record. The family’s statement highlighted that videos prove Pretti was not holding a gun, instead documenting the agents’ actions.
In response to the shooting, hundreds of Minnesota businesses closed in protest, and activists have renewed demands to abolish ICE. The situation underscores broader debates over immigration enforcement and the use of federal force in domestic settings. Community members are mourning the loss while advocating for transparency and accountability.
Looking ahead, ongoing investigations will aim to clarify the circumstances of Pretti’s death. The findings could impact national immigration policies and trust in law enforcement. As protests continue, the focus remains on achieving justice for Pretti and addressing the systemic issues highlighted by this tragic event.
