Minnesota Shooting: Federal Agents Kill U.S. Citizen, Sparks Protests
- citizen, 37-year-old alex Pretti, was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent on Saturday, triggering protests and condemnation from local officials.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially characterized the shooting as a response to an attack, claiming the agent fired in self-defense after Pretti allegedly approached with a...
- However, multiple bystander videos of the incident, independently verified by several news organizations including the New York Times and Washington Post, contradict the DHS account.
Minneapolis Shooting: Immigration Agent Kills U.S. Citizen, Discrepancies Emerge
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Minneapolis, Minnesota – A U.S. citizen, 37-year-old alex Pretti, was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent on Saturday, triggering protests and condemnation from local officials. This incident marks the second such event this month involving U.S. immigration agents and a civilian fatality.
Initial Reports and DHS Statement
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially characterized the shooting as a response to an attack, claiming the agent fired in self-defense after Pretti allegedly approached with a handgun and resisted attempts to disarm him. DHS officials stated the agent perceived an immediate threat to their life.
Contradictory Evidence from Bystander Videos
However, multiple bystander videos of the incident, independently verified by several news organizations including the New York Times and Washington Post, contradict the DHS account. Thes videos reportedly show Pretti holding a mobile phone, not a firearm, and attempting to assist other protesters who had been forcibly pushed to the ground by agents. The videos appear to depict Pretti moving towards the agents while holding the phone aloft.
Ongoing Investigation and Local Response
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is currently investigating the shooting. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob frey has called for a full and obvious investigation, stating, “The initial reports are deeply disturbing, and we demand accountability.” Several city council members have echoed Frey’s call for transparency and questioned the DHS’s initial characterization of the event. As of January 25, 2026, the BCA has not released further details regarding the investigation, but confirmed the agent involved has been placed on administrative leave.
Recent History of DHS Actions in Minneapolis
This incident occurs amidst ongoing scrutiny of DHS operations in Minneapolis, particularly regarding the agency’s role in responding to protests. In early January, a similar incident resulted in non-fatal injuries to a protester, prompting concerns about the use of force by federal agents. The American civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Minnesota has announced it is indeed preparing legal action related to both incidents, alleging excessive force and violations of civil rights. ACLU of Minnesota representatives have stated thay are gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.