Alex Pretti Shooting Minneapolis: Agents Kill Man
Federal agents fatally shot a Minneapolis man on Saturday, marking the second deadly incident in the city this month amid federal immigration enforcement operations. The victim was identified as 37-year-old Alex Pretti, a US citizen and nurse who worked at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital.
The Alex Pretti shooting Minneapolis has drawn national attention after eyewitnesses disputed DHS claims that he was armed. Officials said Pretti resisted efforts to disarm him during a targeted operation and was carrying a 9mm handgun. Family members and bystanders insist he was holding only a phone.
The incident occurred around 9:05 a.m. local time near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street. Video footage shows Pretti standing in the street with a phone, shielding a woman from federal agents. Agents deployed chemical spray and attempted to restrain him. DHS said an officer fired after Pretti resisted, with ten gunshots heard in the video.
DHS later released a photo of a firearm they said belonged to Pretti, along with ammunition. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino described the situation as potentially dangerous, suggesting Pretti intended “maximum damage.” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Pretti was a lawful gun owner with minimal previous interactions with law enforcement and criticized federal authorities for providing limited information about the shooting.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the actions of federal agents, saying officers acted according to training to protect themselves and the public. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz emphasized the importance of video evidence, suggesting DHS claims may have exaggerated the threat Pretti posed.
Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan, issued a statement calling for transparency. They said video footage shows their son holding a phone while trying to shield another individual from pepper spray. They described him as a compassionate ICU nurse who cared deeply for his family, patients, and community. “Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact,” they said.
The Alex Pretti shooting Minneapolis has reignited protests and intensified calls from local officials for federal agents to leave the city. Observers note the ongoing tension between local authorities and federal immigration officers, which has been a point of controversy in recent months.
This incident comes two weeks after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal agent, fueling public outcry and calls for accountability in federal enforcement practices. Community members continue to organize protests demanding transparency, while local authorities press DHS for clarification as investigations proceed.
