The Trump administration is facing intensified criticism and mounting tensions following the fatal shooting of American citizen Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, with video evidence directly contradicting official accounts of the incident.
Administration officials maintained that Pretti, 37, assaulted officers during Saturday’s confrontation, necessitating the use of lethal force in self-defense. However, multiple verified videos depict Pretti holding only a cellphone while attempting to assist fellow protesters before being pepper-sprayed, wrestled to the ground, and shot at close range by federal agents.
This incident marks the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by immigration officers in Minneapolis this month, following the January 7th killing of Renee Good. The escalating situation has prompted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to repeatedly demand the withdrawal of federal agents from the state, while a federal judge has issued a temporary order prohibiting the administration from destroying or altering evidence related to Pretti’s death.
The videos, which have sparked widespread outrage, show agents removing a handgun from Pretti’s waistband area after he was already subdued. Minnesota officials confirm Pretti held a valid state permit for concealed carry—a constitutional right affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2022.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara characterized the administration’s version of events as ‘deeply disturbing,’ stating that ‘the videos speak for themselves.’ The shooting has drawn condemnation from former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, while triggering mass protests and prompting leading Minnesota corporations to call for immediate de-escalation.
Pretti, an intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, is remembered by colleagues as ‘caring and kind,’ with over 200 healthcare workers gathering at the site of his killing to pay tribute. The Justice Department has withdrawn cooperation from the investigation into Good’s killing, resulting in the resignation of at least a dozen federal prosecutors protesting the handling of the case.