**Excerpt:** A 37-year-old man was shot and killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, prompting investigations and conflicting narratives about the incident.
**Key Points:**
– The shooting occurred on January 25, involving Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a nurse at the Veterans Administration.
– Federal officials claim Pretti approached agents with a handgun, while bystander videos show him holding a cellphone.
– Local leaders express anger over the federal operation and call for an end to immigration enforcement in the city.
– Witness statements contradict federal accounts, asserting Pretti was directing traffic before the altercation.
– A federal investigation is underway, with a temporary restraining order issued to preserve evidence related to the shooting.
Overview of the Incident
On January 25, 2026, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis. The incident occurred during a federal immigration enforcement operation. Department of Homeland Security officials stated that the agent acted in self-defense while attempting to disarm Pretti, who they alleged approached the officers with a firearm.
Conflicting Accounts
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reported that Pretti was armed with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and reacted violently when approached by agents. However, bystander videos reviewed by CBS News depict Pretti holding a cellphone in his right hand and nothing in his left prior to the shooting. Witnesses noted an altercation between officers and Pretti, who was allegedly directing traffic before the incident.
One Minneapolis resident claimed, “The man did not approach the agents with a gun. He approached them with a camera.” This account contradicts the federal narrative, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the shooting.
Background on Alex Pretti
Pretti was a U.S. citizen originally from Illinois, employed as an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital. His family described him as a compassionate individual who cared for both his loved ones and the veterans he treated. Reports indicate that Pretti had participated in protests following a previous fatal shooting by law enforcement earlier in January.
Local Reaction and Calls for Investigation
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed outrage over the shooting, calling for an end to federal operations in the city. He emphasized the need for accountability, questioning how many more residents must suffer before these actions cease. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz supported the mayor’s call, labeling the federal account of events as “nonsense.”
Lawyers for the city have sought a temporary restraining order to halt federal troops’ operations in Minneapolis. A federal judge has granted an order to preserve evidence related to the shooting.
Ongoing Investigation
A federal investigation is currently underway, with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension alleging mishandling of evidence by federal authorities. State officials have asserted the necessity of leading the investigation, pushing for justice in this high-profile case.
Following the shooting, protests ensued, with some demonstrators clashing with federal agents. Despite initial chaos, local law enforcement reported that subsequent demonstrations remained peaceful.
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