Within minutes of Alex Pretti being shot and killed by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis on Saturday, the Trump administration, backed by right-wing influencers, launched a smear campaign against the victim, labeling him a “terrorist” and a “lunatic.”
Pretti, 37, was killed during a confrontation with multiple federal immigration agents. Pretti was an American citizen and a registered nurse who worked in the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to a colleague who spoke to the Guardian. Video from a bystander shows Pretti was attempting to help a woman who had been pepper sprayed by an immigration agent when officers tackled him.
pretti’s killing comes 17 days after Immigration and customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross shot Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three.Good was also 37 at the time of her death.Minneapolis police chief Brian O’Hara said during a press conference on Saturday that details about what had led up to Pretti’s fatal confrontation was limited, but at a separate press conference, greg Bovino, the Border Patrol commander overseeing federal operations in Minneapolis, claimed to have a full assessment of what had taken place.
Bovino claimed Pretti had approached officers with a 9mm handgun, resisted disarmament, and was shot in what he described as a clear act of self-defense. He claimed the man had two loaded magazines and lacked identification, and alleged that Pretti intended to “massacre l“`html
minneapolis Shooting: Federal Agents Involved, Video Evidence Emerges
Table of Contents
Federal agents with the Bureau of alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were involved in a shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 23, 2026, resulting in the death of one individual. Video footage released publicly corroborates initial reports of an exchange of gunfire during a federal operation.
the Incident and Initial Response
The shooting occurred in the early afternoon near the intersection of 26th Street and Hennepin Avenue. The ATF was conducting an operation related to illegal firearms trafficking, according to a statement released by the agency. Details remain limited as an examination is underway, but authorities confirmed agents encountered an armed individual, leading to the shooting.Minneapolis Police Department officers responded to the scene and secured the area.
Example: the ATF stated, “ATF special agents were conducting a court-authorized operation when an encounter occurred resulting in an exchange of gunfire.” (ATF News Release, January 24, 2026)
Video Evidence and Public Scrutiny
multiple videos circulating online, including footage analyzed by Bellingcat, appear to show the moments leading up to and including the shooting. The videos, taken from security cameras and bystanders’ phones, depict agents approaching a vehicle, followed by an exchange of gunfire. Bellingcat’s initial analysis suggests the individual shot was firing a weapon prior to being engaged by federal agents.
Detail: Bellingcat’s analysis focused on frame-by-frame examination of the video footage, utilizing geolocation data to confirm the location and time of the incident. Their report highlights the rapid sequence of events and the difficulty in definitively determining the initial aggressor without a full investigation. (Bellingcat Report, January 24, 2026)
Federal Investigation and Legal Considerations
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota has launched a full investigation into the shooting, in coordination with the ATF. The investigation will focus on determining whether the use of force by the agents was justified under federal law and agency policy. The federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting with evidence collection and analysis.
Definition / Direct Answer: The investigation will assess whether the agents’ actions adhered to the standards outlined in ATF Directive 2025-08, concerning the use of deadly force.
Example: According to a statement from U.S.Attorney Erica MacDonald, “A thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted to ensure accountability and clarity.” (U.S. Attorney’s Office Press Release, January 24, 2026)
Local Reaction and Calls for Transparency
The shooting has sparked protests and calls for greater transparency from local community groups and elected officials. Minneapolis City Council member Aisha Gomez issued a statement demanding a full accounting of the events and a review of federal law enforcement practices in the city.Concerns have been raised about the potential for escalation and the impact on community trust.
Detail: Council Member Gomez stated, “We need to understand exactly what led to this tragic outcome and ensure that our community is safe from unnecessary violence.” (Minneapolis City Council Statement
