Federal officials on Sunday defended the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis, even as bystander video footage and local officials disputed the government’s account of what happened. The shooting occurred Saturday amid an expanded federal immigration operation in the city.
Main details of what happened:
Alex Pretti, 37, was shot and killed during an encounter with federal immigration officers. Administration officials said Pretti assaulted officers, prompting them to fire in self-defense. However, videos recorded by bystanders show Pretti holding a cellphone as officers grappled with him before shots were fired at close range.
The footage shows Pretti filming as officers pushed two women to the ground. He then moved between the officers and the women, raised one arm, and was pepper-sprayed. Moments later, an officer fired multiple shots into Pretti’s back. Additional shots can be heard shortly afterward.
Federal officials, including senior Border Patrol leadership and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, maintained that agents acted appropriately. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said publicly that he had seen no evidence Pretti was holding or brandishing a gun, adding that the video footage contradicts the federal narrative.
Relevant background or context:
Pretti was the second U.S. citizen fatally shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis this month. Earlier in January, another resident, Renee Good, was killed during a separate encounter involving federal agents. That case remains under investigation by state and local authorities, though federal cooperation was later withdrawn.
Minnesota officials confirmed that Pretti held a valid state permit to carry a concealed firearm, though authorities say he was not visibly armed during the incident. A federal judge has issued an order preventing the destruction or alteration of evidence related to Pretti’s death.
The shooting has intensified tensions in Minneapolis, where thousands of residents have protested the increased presence of federal immigration agents. Vigils and demonstrations continued Sunday, with healthcare workers and community members gathering near the scene to honor Pretti, who worked as an intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital.
What happens next, if confirmed:
State and local authorities are continuing to review the incident, while federal officials have not indicated any changes to ongoing operations. Investigations into both recent fatal shootings remain active as legal and political scrutiny grows.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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