Federal agents shot and killed a man named Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on a Saturday morning. This incident marks the second fatal shooting in the city during heightened immigration enforcement under the current administration. Pretti, a 37-year-old US citizen and nurse, was involved in a confrontation with Border Patrol agents. Videos of the encounter point to inconsistencies in the agency’s account of the events leading up to the shooting.
Incident Overview
On the morning of the shooting, which occurred around 9:05 AM local time, agents were conducting an immigration enforcement operation near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street. According to Greg Bovino, the Border Patrol commander, Pretti approached the agents allegedly holding a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Witness accounts and subsequent videos claim he was recording the agents with his phone instead of brandishing a weapon.
Conflicting Accounts
- Border Patrol’s Statement: Agents claimed that Pretti resisted attempts to disarm him, leading to defensive actions.
- Eyewitness Testimonies: Bystanders reported that Pretti was not armed but was holding a phone while attempting to shield a woman from an agent’s actions.
- Family’s Reaction: Pretti’s parents denounced the federal explanation as “sickening lies,” urging for the truth about their son to emerge.
Details from the Confrontation
The altercation began with multiple agents attempting to manage the situation. Videos show Pretti positioning himself between the agents and a woman they were confronting. As tensions escalated, Pretti was tackled to the ground by several agents. The situation turned deadly when gunfire erupted, resulting in multiple shots being fired, totaling around ten rounds.
Weapon Information
Following the shooting, the Department of Homeland Security shared an image of a handgun they claimed belonged to Pretti. The agency also reported that he possessed ammunition but had no identification on him at the time. In contrast, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara indicated knowledge of Pretti’s lawful ownership of firearms, suggesting his only prior interactions with law enforcement were minor.
Political Fallout and Public Response
The incident has sparked public outcry and renewed demands for federal agents to withdraw from Minneapolis. Governor Tim Walz expressed concern over the agency’s lack of transparency and accountability. He criticized the framing of the incident by DHS as exaggerated and misleading.
Protests have taken place in response to the shooting, with many rallying against federal immigration enforcement operations. Pretti’s family continues to call for justice and clarity regarding his actions and the circumstances of his death.
In summary, the shooting of Alex Pretti has opened a dialogue about immigration policies and law enforcement tactics, spotlighting concerns over the use of lethal force and the need for clarity in tragic incidents.
