Three newly released videos reveal a physical altercation between Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis ICU nurse, and federal agents 11 days before he was fatally shot. The footage, published by the News Movement and the Minnesota Star Tribune, shows Pretti being tackled to the ground during protests against federal immigration enforcement on 13 January.
The videos capture Pretti yelling at agents in an unmarked vehicle, spitting at the car, and kicking a tail light. An armed agent then exits the vehicle and tackles Pretti, who briefly breaks free. The footage shows a gun in Pretti's waistband, but he never reaches for it during the incident. Pretti had a permit to carry a concealed handgun.
Steve Schleicher, attorney for Pretti's family, stated: 'A week before Alex was gunned down in the street – despite posing no threat to anyone – he was violently assaulted by a group of ICE agents.' The family confirmed Pretti sustained injuries but did not seek medical care.
Witness Max Shapiro, who filmed the altercation, told the Star Tribune: 'He got slammed to the ground pretty hard.' A third video, posted on YouTube, shows the tense atmosphere with cars honking and residents blowing whistles to alert others of federal agents' presence.
Right-wing commentators, including Donald Trump, claimed Pretti spat on agents, but a reverse-angle video shows he spat on the vehicle. During the incident, agents fired teargas and pepper balls. The Department of Homeland Security said it is reviewing the footage.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declined to link the incident to Pretti's later killing, stating: 'I think we should be talking about the circumstances that actually led to the killing.'
