Minneapolis became the epicenter of national unrest Saturday when U.S. Border Patrol agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse and lawful gun owner, during an immigration enforcement operation. The incident marks the second such fatal shooting by federal agents this month, triggering widespread protests across multiple cities and escalating tensions between state and federal authorities.
According to Department of Homeland Security officials, the shooting occurred when agents encountered Pretti during what they characterized as an attack situation. Secretary Kristi Noem stated the victim had ‘attacked agents on an immigration raid’ and was ‘there to perpetuate violence, not peacefully protest.’ Federal authorities released an image of a firearm allegedly carried by Pretti during the confrontation.
However, multiple verified bystander videos reviewed by Reuters present a contradictory narrative. The footage shows Pretti holding a cellular phone rather than a weapon as he attempted to assist female protesters who had been physically pushed to the ground by federal agents. The visual evidence depicts agents pepper-spraying Pretti, forcing him to his hands and knees, and subsequently pinning him down before four rapid gunshots were fired into his back at close range.
The shooting ignited immediate demonstrations in Minneapolis, where hundreds of protesters confronted masked federal agents deploying tear gas and flashbang grenades. Solidarity protests emerged spontaneously in New York, Washington D.C., and San Francisco as news of the incident spread nationally.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed visceral disgust at the footage, declaring it ‘sickening’ and announcing state assumption of the investigation after federal agents blocked local authorities from the scene. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Pretti had no criminal record beyond traffic violations and pleaded for calm amid escalating tensions.
The incident has intensified existing friction between the Trump administration and Minnesota officials regarding immigration enforcement tactics. Previous controversies include the January 7th shooting of Renee Good, detention of citizens without proper attire, and apprehension of schoolchildren including a five-year-old boy. The escalating conflict prompted the postponement of a Minnesota Timberwolves NBA game and closure of the Minneapolis Institute of Art for safety concerns.