pretti’s killing comes less than three weeks after Renée Good, 37, was fatally shot by an ICE officer elsewhere in the city, another incident already pulled into competing official and eyewitness accounts.
In footage verified by several news outlets, Pretti is seen directing cars to park and coming to the aid of a woman who falls near federal agents.
The Department of Homeland Security in the US has, in official statements and press conferences, stated that Pretti approached agents with a 9mm handgun drawn.
[[[[Minneapolis: Parents of Alex Pretti say Trump officials are telling ‘sickening lies’Opens in new window ]
Multiple videos circulating online show him holding a phone as agents swarm around and pepper-spray him. They then force him to the ground, before a number of the agents shoot Mr Pretti whilst on the ground.Here is a selection of imagery from various news wires showing the situation in the aftermath of the shooting.
Authorities have not released the exact number of arrests, but witnesses estimate it to be over 50. Those arrested are being held on charges ranging from unlawful assembly to resisting arrest. Legal observers are on the scene providing assistance to detainees.
The new demonstration policies, enacted earlier this month, require permits for gatherings of more than 10 people and restrict protests near government buildings. Supporters of the policies say they are necessary to maintain public safety, while opponents argue they stifle dissent.
“These arrests are a clear attempt to intimidate and silence those who are exercising their constitutional rights,” said Sarah Miller, a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, in a statement. “We will be challenging these policies in court.”
The situation remains fluid, and further protests are planned for the coming days. Police have increased their presence in the city center in anticipation of additional demonstrations.
