Investigators in Minnesota have expressed alarm over what they term a 'concerning and unprecedented' decision by the FBI to withhold all evidence collected in the investigation into the death of Alex Pretti. Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was fatally shot by Department of Homeland Security officers in an incident that was captured on video, sparking widespread scrutiny and multiple probes.
State Officials Decry Lack of Cooperation
Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, revealed on Monday that the FBI has formally declined to provide any access to information or evidence related to the Pretti case. Evans emphasized that this stance mirrors previous refusals in investigations into the shootings of Renee Good and Julio Sosa-Celis, highlighting a pattern of non-cooperation.
'While this lack of cooperation is concerning and unprecedented, the BCA is committed to thorough, independent and transparent investigations of these incidents, even if hampered by a lack of access to key information and evidence,' Evans stated. He added that the door remains open for future collaboration with the FBI and Department of Justice should their position change.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs, was shot dead by Border Patrol agents on January 24 after filming deportation operations. Despite having a concealed carry permit, Pretti was armed with a handgun and multiple ammunition magazines when apprehended by six agents. Officers claimed he resisted arrest, leading to a scuffle where he was pepper-sprayed and shot approximately ten times.
Bystander video and a preliminary internal DHS investigation contradict claims that Pretti brandished his weapon; footage shows agents disarming him shortly before the shooting. The incident has intensified debates over use-of-force policies and transparency in law enforcement actions.
Federal Investigations and Political Fallout
The Department of Justice's civil rights division, alongside the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, is now investigating Pretti's killing. This marks a reversal from the Trump administration's approach, which initially limited the probe to a narrow DHS review. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the federal investigation on January 30, noting the prevalence of law enforcement shootings but underscoring the need for accountability.
In contrast, the Justice Department declined to open a civil rights investigation into the earlier shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, with Blanche stating there was no basis for such a probe. The FBI, when contacted for comment, referred to Blanche's announcement, while a DHS spokesperson confirmed the FBI is leading the Pretti investigation with Homeland Security Investigations support, separate from Customs and Border Protection's internal review.
Internal Tensions and Public Scrutiny
The fallout from Pretti's death has exposed rifts within DHS and the Trump administration. Officials have criticized leadership for sidelining experienced personnel and creating confusion, while public rhetoric has intensified scrutiny over judgment in handling such cases. The installation of Border Czar Tom Homan to oversee Minneapolis operations, amid blame-shifting with Stephen Miller, underscores the political dimensions of this tragedy.
As investigations proceed without key FBI evidence, Minnesota authorities remain steadfast in their pursuit of transparency, even as they navigate significant obstacles in uncovering the full truth behind Alex Pretti's untimely death.
