A 37-year-old man was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on Saturday morning. The shooting occurred less than three weeks after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, and during a period of increased immigration enforcement activity in the city.
Details of the Shooting
The man has been identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. The Department of Homeland Security stated the agent fired in self-defense after attempting to disarm Pretti, who they say approached officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. However, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, after viewing videos of the incident, called that account “nonsense.”
Videos verified by CBS News show Pretti was holding a cellphone at the time he was shot. Footage also depicts an agent emerging from a scuffle with a gun, turning away from Pretti before the first shot was fired, and then running across the street as additional shots rang out.
Minnesota officials confirmed Pretti’s legal status regarding firearms. The family of the deceased described him as a “kindhearted soul” who dedicated his career to caring for American veterans. They condemned what they characterized as false statements made by the administration regarding the events.
Investigation and Legal Challenges
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reported that representatives from the Department of Homeland Security initially blocked access to the shooting scene, despite having a judge-signed search warrant. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the City of Minneapolis are seeking legal intervention to halt the ongoing surge in immigration enforcement.
Attorney General Ellison’s office will argue in court on Monday to end the immigration surge, and the City of Minneapolis is seeking a temporary restraining order to pause the operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Department of Homeland Security say about the shooting?
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that agents fired “defensive shots” after an individual approached them with a handgun and “violently resisted” attempts to disarm him.
What did Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz say about the DHS account?
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the DHS account was “nonsense” after reviewing videos of the shooting, stating, “What I see with my eyes and what you’re going to see with your eyes makes that pretty hard to believe.”
What is the family of Alex Jeffrey Pretti saying?
Pretti’s family stated he was holding a phone, not a gun, during the encounter with federal agents and condemned what they described as “sickening lies told about our son by the administration.”
What impact this incident will have on federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis remains to be seen. A judge’s decision on the requested restraining order could significantly alter the current course of action, and further investigation may reveal additional details about the events that transpired.
