Federal Agents Fatally Shoot Nurse in Minneapolis, Igniting Widespread Outrage
Federal officers have moved against protesters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old US citizen by federal agents on Saturday. The incident has plunged the city into turmoil, with demonstrators taking to the streets and local leaders demanding immediate action from the highest levels of government.
Alex Pretti Identified as Victim in Controversial Shooting
The man killed by federal agents on Saturday has been identified as Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old registered nurse working in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Much remains unknown, unclear, or unconfirmed about the precise circumstances leading to his death, but emerging video evidence has painted a disturbing picture of the events.
In a video circulating online, which matches the reported location of the shooting, a man can be seen being wrestled to the ground by several law enforcement officers before being shot what appears to be several times. At least two officers are visible with their weapons drawn during this altercation.
Detailed Video Footage Reveals Escalating Confrontation
A second, more comprehensive video of the shooting, obtained and posted online by Drop Site News, provides further context. In this footage, Pretti appears to come to the defense of an observer who had been shoved to the ground by a federal officer. That officer then sprayed Pretti with a chemical agent repeatedly before tackling him to the street along with other agents.
At least five agents surrounded Pretti on the ground, and one appeared to fire a shot at him at close range. The shot was followed by a volley of more shots, after which Pretti's body goes still. The visual evidence seems consistent with the interpretation that a gun was taken away by one agent just before another shot him.
Official Responses and Conflicting Narratives
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara later stated during a press conference on Saturday that Pretti's only known previous interaction with law enforcement was for traffic tickets. O'Hara also noted that Pretti was "a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry."
The Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of ICE and the border patrol, confirmed that Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene. The federal agency said an agent fired "defensive shots" and characterized protesters as "rioters," claiming there were about 200 people on the scene in south Minneapolis trying to "obstruct and assault law enforcement."
Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino said at a news conference that an officer with eight years of experience at his agency shot and killed Pretti. This marks the second fatal shooting this month in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in addition to another non-fatal shooting, amid a major crackdown in the state by federal agents.
Protests Erupt and Political Leaders Condemn Federal Actions
Protesters were heard calling "shame, shame" at officers after Pretti's shooting, blowing whistles and shouting for ICE to leave the city. The agents responded with teargas and flash-bang grenades, further escalating tensions.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called on Donald Trump to "end this operation" of federal immigration enforcement agents and officers surging into Minneapolis, demanding that the US president "take action now to remove these federal agents." At the same press conference, Police Chief Brian O'Hara acknowledged immense anger in the city but pleaded for calm.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has staged National Guard troops ready to help in keeping order in Minneapolis as protest and outrage at violent conduct by federal immigration personnel continue. Walz had activated them earlier in January, putting them under his orders to be ready if needed. Staging essentially means gathering and preparing to be on the streets, with some troops initially guarding a federal building.
Governor Walz gave a strongly worded press conference, calling the actions of the immigration enforcement officers that surged into Minneapolis a "federal occupation." He stated he had seen bystander footage of the fatal shooting of Pretti and thought it was "sickening."
Trump Accuses Local Leaders of Inciting Insurrection
Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, accusing Walz and Frey of "inciting insurrection" with their exhortations for the US president to end the surge of federal immigration enforcement personnel to the city. Trump claimed they were there to make the city safer, while local leaders argued they were making the city much less safe, as the agents were instilling fear and behaving violently.
Officials have urged people to "remain peaceful and recognize there is a lot of anger and questions around what has happened." The situation remains volatile as investigations continue and the community grapples with this tragic loss.
