Minneapolis Descends Into Chaos Following Fatal Shooting of ICU Nurse by Federal Agent
Minneapolis has been plunged into a state of unrest and political turmoil following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse by a federal immigration officer. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has drawn hundreds of protesters onto the frigid streets, reigniting tensions in a city still reeling from another controversial shooting death just weeks earlier.
Victim Identified as Alex Pretti, a Nurse and Activist
Family members have identified the deceased man as Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse known for his opposition to former President Donald Trump's immigration policies within his community. According to official statements from the Department of Homeland Security, federal officers were conducting an operation when they fired "defensive shots" after a man with a handgun approached them and "violently resisted" attempts to disarm him.
However, this account has been fiercely contested. Police Chief Brian O'Hara revealed that Pretti was a "lawful gun owner with a permit to carry," while bystander videos circulating after the shooting appear to show Pretti holding a phone, not a visible weapon, at the time of the confrontation. The officer involved is reportedly an eight-year veteran of the US Border Patrol.
Political Fallout and Demands for Federal Withdrawal
The shooting has triggered an immediate and intense political backlash. Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, have demanded that federal immigration authorities leave Minnesota entirely. Ocasio-Cortez urged her colleagues to refuse funding for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, stating via social media: "We have a responsibility to protect Americans from tyranny."
This sentiment was echoed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who declared that Democrats would not support a spending package that includes money for the Department of Homeland Security. This stance significantly raises the risk of a partial government shutdown when current funding expires on January 30.
Former President Trump entered the fray on social media, blaming Democratic leadership. He shared images of a gun allegedly recovered at the scene and criticised Governor Tim Walz and the Minneapolis mayor, accusing them of "inciting Insurrection" with their rhetoric.
Family's Anguish and Contradictory Narratives
In a heartbreaking statement released on Saturday evening, Pretti's family expressed their devastation and fury. They described him as a "kindhearted soul" dedicated to making a difference through his nursing work and vehemently denied the official narrative.
"The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting," the statement read. "Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man."
Scene of the Shooting and Escalating Protests
Bystander video obtained by The Associated Press depicts a chaotic and violent scene on Nicollet Avenue. The footage shows protesters blowing whistles and shouting at federal officers before an altercation ensues. An officer is seen shoving a person, who then links arms with Pretti. After further scuffles, at least seven officers surround Pretti, with one striking him near the head with a canister. A shot rings out, followed by several more, after which Pretti lies motionless on the street.
In response, Police Chief O'Hara appealed for calm from both the public and federal law enforcement, demanding that federal agencies operate with "discipline, humanity and integrity."
State Versus Federal Conflict and National Guard Deployment
Governor Tim Walz, expressing no confidence in federal officials, stated that the state would lead the investigation into the shooting. However, Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, reported that federal officers blocked his agency from the scene despite having obtained a signed judicial warrant.
The Minnesota National Guard has been deployed at the direction of Governor Walz to assist local police, with troops stationed at both the shooting site and a federal building that has become a daily flashpoint for demonstrations.
Widespread Demonstrations and Community Mourning
Despite dangerously cold temperatures of -6 degrees Fahrenheit (-21 Celsius), protests erupted not only in Minneapolis but also in major cities across the nation, including New York, Washington, and Los Angeles. In Minneapolis, an angry crowd gathered, screaming profanities at federal officers, calling them "cowards," and chanting "ICE out now." Protesters used garbage dumpsters to block streets in acts of civil disobedience.
As night fell, the tone shifted to one of sombre mourning. Hundreds gathered quietly at a growing memorial at the shooting site, carrying signs demanding "Justice for Alex Pretti" and chanting the names of Pretti and Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on January 7. Local businesses, including a doughnut shop and a clothing store, stayed open to offer protesters warmth, water, coffee, and snacks.
Caleb Spike, a protester from a nearby suburb, encapsulated the community's frustration: "It feels like every day something crazier happens. What’s happening in our community is wrong, it’s sickening, it’s disgusting." The city of Minneapolis now finds itself at the centre of a national crisis, grappling with grief, anger, and profound questions about federal authority and police conduct.
