Federal Agents’ Fatal Shooting of Minneapolis Man Sparks Outrage and Protests
A Minneapolis man was shot and killed by federal agents on Saturday, igniting significant backlash amid accusations of wrongful conduct and fueled protests. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse and U.S. citizen, was involved in a scuffle before the incident, which has drawn attention to ongoing immigration enforcement operations under the current administration.
Why It Matters
This incident marks the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis linked to immigration enforcement activities this month, raising urgent questions about the conduct of federal agents and their impact on local communities. As tensions rise between local authorities and federal agencies, calls for accountability and transparency are intensifying, underlining concerns regarding civil liberties and the use of force.
Key Developments
- Federal agents from the Border Patrol engaged in an immigration enforcement operation when the incident occurred.
- According to eyewitness accounts and family statements, Pretti was holding a phone, not a firearm, contradicting claims made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Pretti’s parents have publicly denounced the administration’s narrative, demanding that the truth surrounding their son’s death be revealed.
- The incident has reignited protests and calls from Minneapolis officials for federal agents to withdraw from the city.
Full Report
Details Surrounding the Shooting
The fatal incident unfolded near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street at approximately 9:05 a.m. local time. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino reported that agents were conducting a targeted immigration operation when they encountered Pretti, whom they allege approached them with a handgun.However, video footage shows Pretti appears to be filming the agents with his phone in one hand while attempting to act as a barrier for bystanders.
Eyewitness videos depict a chaotic scene with agents appearing to use force against Pretti. As the scuffle escalated, multiple agents tackled him to the ground, prompting a response that included at least ten gunshots. Authorities claim the agents fired in self-defense after Pretti resisted disarmament efforts.
Contradictions and Public Reactions
DHS shared a photo of a firearm allegedly linked to Pretti, but Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that Pretti was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a valid permit. The police chief expressed frustration that federal officials had not shared specific details regarding the incident with local law enforcement.
In response to the shooting, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed skepticism about the DHS’s characterization of the event, advocating for transparency and accountability. The victim’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, described their son as a compassionate individual and implored for an accurate account of events, denouncing the official narrative as "sickening lies."
Context & Previous Events
This shooting follows another fatal encounter involving immigration agents last month, where a woman named Renee Nicole Good was killed. The series of incidents has led to increased scrutiny of federal immigration policies and law enforcement practices, significantly amplifying discussions around the use of force during such operations. Local leaders continue to call for an end to federal enforcement actions within city limits, amplifying a growing tension between community members and federal authorities.
