In a dramatic development following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, two witnesses have provided sworn testimony that directly contradicts official accounts from Trump administration officials. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has sparked significant controversy and legal action, with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filing a lawsuit on behalf of local protesters.
Eyewitness Accounts Challenge Official Narrative
The witnesses, whose identities were redacted in public court filings, submitted affidavits to a federal court in Minnesota just hours after the shooting. Their statements challenge claims by senior Trump administration figures, including the president and homeland security officials, who described Pretti as a "gunman" who approached federal agents while brandishing a weapon.
First Witness: A Children's Entertainer's Harrowing Testimony
The first witness, a woman who filmed the shooting from close proximity while wearing a pink coat, identified herself as a children's entertainer specialising in face painting. She testified that she arrived at the scene on her way to work, motivated by a desire to document the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in her community.
According to her affidavit, Pretti was attempting to help a woman who had been shoved to the ground by federal agents when he was tackled by officers. One agent then sprayed a chemical agent in the faces of both Pretti and the woman he was assisting.
The witness emphatically stated: "I didn't see him with a gun. They threw him to the ground. Four or five agents had him on the ground and they just started shooting him. They shot him so many times ... I was five feet from him and they just shot him."
She further disputed the Department of Homeland Security's statement, asserting that Pretti approached agents with a camera, not a gun, and was merely trying to help the woman stand up. Expressing fear for her safety, she added that she felt unable to return home after hearing agents were looking for her.
Second Witness: A Physician's Medical Observations
The second witness, a 29-year-old physician who observed the shooting from their apartment window nearby, testified that they did not see Pretti attack agents or brandish any weapon. After the shooting, the physician attempted to render medical aid but was initially prevented from doing so by ICE agents.
"At first the ICE agents wouldn't let me through," the physician stated. "But none of the ICE agents who were near the victim were performing CPR, and I could tell that the victim was in critical condition. I insisted that the ICE agents let me assess him."
Upon gaining access, the physician found Pretti with multiple gunshot wounds, including at least three in his back, one in his upper left chest, and a possible wound in his neck. The witness noted that instead of providing emergency care, agents appeared to be counting the bullet wounds. No pulse was detected when checked.
Legal and Political Implications
This witness testimony, combined with video evidence reviewed by news organisations, presents a stark contrast to the narrative advanced by Trump administration officials. Homeland Security Secretary and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino had characterised Pretti as threatening to "massacre" federal officers, claims now being challenged in court.
The ACLU lawsuit targets Kristi Noem and other homeland security officials overseeing immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, alleging misconduct and seeking accountability for the shooting. The case highlights ongoing tensions between federal authorities and community activists in the city.
As the investigation continues, these sworn affidavits raise serious questions about the use of force by federal agents and the accuracy of official statements regarding the incident. The conflicting accounts ensure that the shooting of Alex Pretti will remain a focal point of legal and political debate in the coming weeks.
