Key Takeaways:
- Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was killed during a federal immigration raid in Minneapolis.
- Federal officials said the shooting was self-defence during an enforcement operation.
- Two witnesses said in sworn statements that Pretti did not brandish a gun.
- Video clips described in reporting appear to show Pretti holding a phone at the scene.
- The incident has sparked protests and renewed calls for an independent investigation.
What Happened in the Minneapolis Immigration Raid
A federal immigration raid in Minneapolis turned deadly on Saturday when agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old American citizen and intensive care nurse. The shooting happened during a large enforcement action that has already drawn intense public scrutiny and political debate.
Officials described the operation as part of an expanded federal crackdown, while community members said the raids have increased fear and disruption across neighborhoods. Pretti’s death has become a flashpoint in the city, coming amid broader tension over immigration enforcement tactics and accountability.
Witnesses Say Alex Pretti Did Not Brandish a Gun
Federal authorities said a Border Patrol agent fired in self-defence after Pretti allegedly approached officers with a handgun and resisted being disarmed. Senior officials framed the incident as a dangerous confrontation during an active operation.
But two bystanders later submitted sworn court statements disputing that account. Their statements said Pretti did not brandish a weapon, contradicting claims that he posed an immediate threat when the shots were fired.
Video Footage Challenges the Official Account
Accounts describing bystander video say Pretti appeared to be holding a mobile phone while filming as agents pushed protesters to the ground. In the footage referenced in reporting, he does not appear to raise or point a weapon.
Witnesses said Pretti stepped between agents and several women who were being shoved and pepper-sprayed. Moments later, agents forced him to the ground as the encounter escalated, setting the stage for the fatal shooting.
Timeline of Events on Saturday
- Initial confrontation: Agents and protesters clash as the enforcement operation unfolds.
- Escalation: Pretti moves toward the interaction, reportedly filming with a phone.
- Restraint: Agents force Pretti down as shouting erupts about a possible gun.
- Shooting: Shots are fired while he is on the ground; more gunfire follows.
- Aftermath: Medical aid is attempted as crowds react and protests build.
Moments Before the Shooting
Witness accounts say someone shouted a warning about a possible gun while Pretti was already being restrained. Moments later, an officer fired multiple shots into his back. Additional shots were then heard, and witnesses said agents initially stepped away before offering medical assistance.
One witness, a physician, later stated that Pretti sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the back. Those details, combined with the competing accounts of what happened in the seconds before shots were fired, have become central to calls for a thorough investigation.
Who Was Alex Pretti? ICU Nurse and Community Advocate
Pretti worked as an ICU nurse at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis. Family members described him as compassionate and deeply troubled by immigration raids, saying he believed vulnerable families were being unfairly targeted.
Local officials said Pretti was a lawful gun owner with no criminal record aside from traffic violations. Supporters argue that even if a firearm was present, the key question is whether he posed an immediate threat that justified lethal force.
Official Response and Statements From Minnesota Leaders
Federal officials defended the agent’s actions, repeating that the shooting was justified. Minnesota leaders and community voices, however, have urged transparency and demanded that all video, witness testimony, and body-camera evidence be released and reviewed.
Public reaction has included protests, memorials, and renewed debate about the role of federal enforcement in local communities and the standards governing use of force.
Why This Case Is Fueling Calls for an Independent Investigation
The core issue is the gap between official statements and eyewitness accounts. With sworn statements and video evidence discussed publicly, advocates say an independent review is essential to determine whether protocols were followed, whether excessive force was used, and what changes may be needed moving forward.
What Users Should Know: Safety Steps and What Comes Next
Readers following the case should watch for developments in court filings, investigative updates, and the release of additional footage. The incident is likely to influence future enforcement oversight and may shape policy discussions at both the state and federal level.
Key Questions Investigators Must Answer
- What exactly was in Pretti’s hands at the moment shots were fired?
- Were clear commands given, and was he able to comply?
- When and how was a firearm introduced into the scene?
- Did the use of force match federal policy and training standards?
- What evidence (video, reports, medical findings) supports each claim?