The federal officers involved in the shooting death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have been placed on administrative leave, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson. This move represents a reversal of earlier statements indicating the officers remained on duty in other locations.
Shifting Accounts and Mounting Pressure
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated the officers are now on leave, a decision coming amidst increased scrutiny and a contentious funding debate within Congress. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have echoed this confirmation, noting that administrative leave is “standard protocol.” However, the identities of the officers involved remain undisclosed.
This shift in messaging directly contradicts earlier statements made by top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino, who claimed on Monday that “all agents that were involved in that scene are working, not in Minneapolis, but in other locations.” The discrepancy has fueled questions about the administration’s handling of the situation.
Initial Reactions and Subsequent Walkbacks
Video footage analysis indicates the two agents fired at Pretti at least 10 times within five seconds. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, several administration officials offered strong condemnations of Pretti, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) boss Stephen Miller initially characterizing him as an “assassin” and “domestic terrorist.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem similarly labeled Pretti’s actions – reportedly filming ICE activity – as “the definition of domestic terrorism.”
These statements proved controversial enough that the White House sought to distance itself from them, even as President Trump continued to criticize Pretti. Bovino was subsequently reassigned and lost access to his social media account.
More recently, Miller has suggested the shooting may have stemmed from a failure to follow protocol regarding the protection of “arrest teams,” a marked departure from his earlier rhetoric. DHS remains active in Minneapolis, now with Tom Homan, described as “staunchly anti-immigration,” reportedly leading the operation.
Adding to the complexity, the Department of Justice has announced it will not pursue a civil rights investigation into the shooting, despite this being standard procedure in fatal shootings involving law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the change in the DHS’s statement regarding the officers’ status?
The DHS reversed its initial statement as the agency faces increased pressure from calls for the resignation of Secretary Noem and boss Miller, as well as a standoff in the Senate over DHS funding.
What was Gregory Bovino’s initial claim about the officers involved?
Bovino told reporters on Monday that “all agents that were involved in that scene are working, not in Minneapolis, but in other locations.”
What is the current status of the investigation into the shooting?
The Department of Justice is not pursuing a civil rights investigation, despite it being standard protocol in fatal shootings involving law enforcement.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether further details will emerge regarding the circumstances of the shooting and the ongoing investigations. Will the administration’s evolving response satisfy critics, or will the controversy continue to escalate?
