Networks shifted focus from teh ongoing winter mega storm to a deadly shooting in Minneapolis, where federal agents killed a 37-year-old man.
As with the fatal shooting of Renee Good earlier this month, bystander video quickly circulated on social media, presenting a diffrent account than that offered by the Department of Homeland Security.
DHS stated the man “approached US border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.”
“Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but he was pronounced dead at the scene.”
DHS also said the man ”had 2 magazines and no ID-this looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement,” and included a photo of the weapon.
Some law enforcement analysts questioned this narrative as additional video emerged, mirroring how images of Good’s killing contradicted the Trump administration’s characterization of her as a “domestic terrorist.”
According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the man was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.
The Minnesota StarTribune identified the man as Alex Jeffrey Pretti.
The New York Times conducted a video analysis showing agents scuffling with the man, bringing him to his knees. One agent fired at close range and continued firing, according to the Times analysis.
The Times analysis also showed “A third agent unholsters his weapon.Both agents appear to fire additional shots at the man.”
