Federal Authorities Deny Disturbing Allegations Following Minneapolis Shooting Incident
The Department of Homeland Security has formally rejected claims that federal agents counted bullet wounds in the body of Alex Pretti after fatally shooting him during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. This denial comes in response to a sworn affidavit filed in federal court by a licensed pediatrician who witnessed the incident.
Witness Testimony Contradicts Official Narrative
According to court documents, the pediatrician - whose identity remains redacted - stated they observed four federal officers pointing weapons at Pretti before firing "at least six or seven times." The witness immediately rushed to provide medical assistance but discovered the victim lying on his side, which the pediatrician noted deviates from standard practice for shooting victims.
The physician's testimony emphasized: "Checking for a pulse and administering CPR is standard practice. Instead of doing either of those things, the agents appeared to be counting his bullet wounds."
DHS Response and Parallel Incident
A DHS spokesperson subtly denied these allegations, stating: "Two Border Patrol agents, who are nationally certified Emergency Medical technicians, immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but he was pronounced dead at the scene." This response closely resembles statements issued after the January 7th shooting death of Renee Good, who was killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent less than a mile from where Pretti died.
Video footage from Good's shooting showed bystanders, including someone claiming to be a physician, pleading with agents to check her vital signs as she lay dead in her vehicle. Federal officials denied these requests, insisting they had medical personnel on scene.
Escalating Tensions in Minneapolis
Minneapolis has become a focal point in the ongoing national debate about immigration enforcement, with Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul recently filing a lawsuit against DHS. The shooting of 37-year-old Pretti on Saturday has intensified scrutiny of federal immigration operations in the area.
Federal officials have confirmed the agent involved is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran with extensive training as a range safety officer and in using less-lethal force, though they have not released the officer's name.
Contradictory Evidence and Official Statements
DHS initially claimed Pretti was armed with a nine millimeter semi-automatic handgun and approached agents during a "violent" struggle, forcing them to act defensively. However, multiple bystander videos appear to show Pretti holding only a phone during the approximately 30-second confrontation, with no visible weapon.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem maintained that Pretti "brandished" a legally-owned handgun at officers attempting to detain an undocumented migrant. She criticized Minnesota's Democratic leadership, suggesting their rhetoric encouraged violence against law enforcement.
Investigation and Legal Developments
The White House has announced that Homeland Security Investigations officers and the FBI will interview the Customs and Border Protection agents involved in Pretti's shooting. Meanwhile, a federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the Trump administration from destroying or altering evidence related to the case.
It remains unconfirmed whether Pretti's firearm discharged any shots during the incident. The conflicting accounts between witness testimony, video evidence, and official statements continue to fuel controversy surrounding federal immigration enforcement tactics in Minneapolis.
