Federal Agents Involved in Fatal Minneapolis Shooting
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was fatally shot by United States Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The incident occurred around 9:05 AM CST at the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in the city's south Whittier neighborhood. This marks the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis within three weeks and the third overall involving federal immigration agents this month, occurring amidst a broader federal immigration enforcement initiative known as 'Operation Metro Surge'.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that agents were conducting a targeted operation for an individual 'wanted for violent assault' when Pretti allegedly 'approached' officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. DHS claims agents attempted to disarm him, but he 'violently resisted,' leading an agent to fire 'defensive shots' out of concern for their safety and the safety of others.
However, eyewitness accounts and video footage from the scene present a different narrative. Videos reportedly show Pretti holding a cellphone, not a gun, in the moments before the shooting. Reports indicate Pretti was filming law enforcement agents and directing traffic when he was pepper-sprayed and subsequently wrestled to the ground by multiple federal agents. One agent was reportedly seen striking him with an object before approximately ten shots were fired over a five-second period.
Outcry and Calls for Investigation
The shooting has drawn strong condemnation and calls for investigation from local and national officials. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz reviewed videos of the incident and dismissed the DHS account as 'nonsense,' stating, 'What I see with my eyes and what you're going to see with your eyes makes that pretty hard to believe.' Governor Walz has urged the Trump administration to withdraw ICE agents from Minneapolis, describing their actions as an 'absolute abomination.'
U.S. Senator Tina Smith commented, 'Eyewitness video shows, once again, reckless, violent, and dangerous federal agents taking the life of a Minnesotan.' Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that Pretti had no significant criminal record, only parking tickets, and was a 'lawful gun owner' with a permit to carry a firearm. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has announced intentions to seek a temporary restraining order to halt the federal immigration crackdown. Congressman Steven Horsford also condemned the killing and called for an immediate cessation of 'Operation Metro Surge' activities.
Victim's Background and Family's Statement
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, where he cared for veterans. His family described him as a 'kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse.' His parents stated that Pretti was upset with federal immigration enforcement actions and believed his final act was to protect a woman during the operation. Friends and colleagues remembered him as an 'outstanding' and 'compassionate' individual.
5 Comments
Raphael
While immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, the apparent lack of transparency and excessive force in this incident is deeply concerning. An independent investigation is crucial to restore public trust.
Mariposa
A cellphone, not a gun. How many more innocent people will die before this stops?
Muchacha
It's tragic that a nurse lost his life, and the conflicting reports are alarming. We need a full, unbiased investigation into both the agents' conduct and the circumstances leading to the shooting, rather than immediate condemnation from either side.
BuggaBoom
Federal agents acting like an occupying army. 'Operation Metro Surge' needs to end immediately.
Loubianka
They lied about him having a gun! This is a cover-up and those agents belong in jail.