Minneapolis Shooting: Federal Agents Kill Nurse Alex Pretti, Video Contradicts DHS Account

Federal agents shot and killed a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, on the morning of January 24, 2026, in the Whittier neighborhood, sparking protests and renewed tensions over federal immigration operations. Video footage verified by The New York Times indicates Mr. Pretti was holding a phone, not a gun, contradicting federal claims that he approached agents with a handgun and intended to inflict lethal harm. Mr. Pretti was an American citizen with no criminal record and a valid firearms permit. At least 10 shots were fired by federal agents within five seconds after he was pinned to the ground. Local and state officials have demanded access to investigate the incident.reported by San Francisco Newsroom via The New York Times.

Federal Shooting Incident in Minneapolis: Timeline and Context

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, outside a doughnut shop on Nicollet Avenue, a commercial corridor approximately two miles from Mr. Pretti’s home. Federal agents, conducting a targeted operation aimed at a separate individual wanted for assault, engaged Mr. Pretti after he appeared to assist a protester who had been pepper-sprayed. According to video footage verified by The New York Times, Mr. Pretti approached the agents with his hands visible and holding a cellphone. He was then pulled to the ground and shot multiple times.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Mr. Pretti was a U.S. citizen with no criminal record and legally permitted to carry a handgun openly under Minnesota law. Open carry requires a permit issued for five years, following certified training in firearm safety. Federal officials posted images of a handgun they attributed to Mr. Pretti, though video shows he did not have it in hand during the initial encounter.

Governor Tim Walz criticized federal accounts of the event, stating that video evidence contradicted claims that Mr. Pretti posed an immediate threat. State officials have been blocked from accessing the scene by federal agents, prompting the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to obtain a search warrant to continue the investigation.

Video Evidence vs. Federal Statements

Video analysis conducted by The New York Times indicates that Mr. Pretti had both hands visible when he approached federal agents and was helping another protester who had been pepper-sprayed. Agents appear to have fired at least 10 rounds within five seconds after Mr. Pretti was on the ground.

Gregory Bovino, head of Border Patrol operations in Minnesota, stated that Mr. Pretti “wanted to do maximum damage” to agents. The claim has been disputed by Gov. Walz, who emphasized that video evidence does not support the assertion of a lethal threat. Mayor Jacob Frey called for the federal operation to end, citing the risk to residents.

Neighborhood Impact and Community Response

The Whittier neighborhood is a densely populated area with a mix of residential buildings and commercial properties, including restaurants, cafes, and shops. Local business owners reported closures or modified operations following the shooting, and posters reading “Everyone welcome, except ICE” were displayed.

Residents described the incident as alarming. Jeanne Winter, a neighbor of Mr. Pretti, said he was “not a violent person” and regularly walked his dog while greeting neighbors. Hundreds of protesters gathered at the shooting site, using whistles and chanting, while law enforcement deployed tear gas and flashbangs to disperse the crowd.

Legal and Procedural Details: Firearms and Investigations

Minnesota law permits open carry of handguns with a valid permit. Applicants must complete certified training in firearm safety, and permits are valid for five years. Mr. Pretti was believed to have a valid permit; the exact date of issuance remains under investigation.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which investigates police-involved shootings, has been prevented from fully accessing the scene. State investigators have interviewed witnesses and sought video evidence but have faced obstructions from federal agents.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are conducting parallel inquiries. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, stated that state officials require independent access to ensure a transparent investigation.

Federal Operations and Political Reactions

The shooting occurred amid a federal crackdown on immigration in Minneapolis ordered by the Trump administration. President Trump criticized local authorities, claiming that Mayor Frey and Gov. Walz incited insurrection and labeled ICE agents as “patriots” performing necessary duties. The president shared images of a firearm purportedly belonging to Mr. Pretti, asserting that agents acted in self-defense.

State officials, including Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey, countered these claims, requesting the removal of federal agents and asserting that federal obstruction undermines public trust and safety. Lawmakers from both parties expressed concern about federal tactics, with Senate Democrats threatening to block funding for ICE until investigations were transparent and accountable.

Public Safety and Protest Management

Following the shooting, local law enforcement coordinated with the Minnesota National Guard to maintain public safety at the site. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office deployed additional officers and National Guard units to prevent escalation. Police advised protesters to remain peaceful, emphasizing the right to assemble while discouraging vandalism or violence.

Residents reported exposure to tear gas and pepper spray. Businesses like Glam Doll Donuts opened their doors to provide refuge and refreshments for protesters. Demonstrations occurred throughout Nicollet Avenue, with protestors directing traffic and chanting slogans against federal operations.

Minneapolis Shooting Incident Overview

Congressional and Policy Implications

The Minneapolis shooting has intensified debate over federal immigration enforcement funding. House Democrats opposed a recent spending measure for the Department of Homeland Security, citing prior shootings including Renee Good on Jan. 7. Senate consideration of homeland security funding has been delayed amid political pressure and calls for accountability.

Some legislators emphasized that funding decisions must consider ongoing federal operations and the risk to U.S. citizens. Policy discussions also include scrutiny of federal authority versus state oversight in incidents involving armed personnel.

Eyewitness Accounts and Community Perspective

Neighbors described Mr. Pretti as a nonviolent, community-oriented individual. Colleagues at the Veterans Affairs hospital highlighted his work in intensive care and his interactions with patients. Residents expressed concern over federal presence and aggressive tactics in Minneapolis neighborhoods, citing repeated deployments of tear gas and flashbang devices.

What Citizens Should Know

• Open carry in Minnesota is legal with a valid permit; training is required.
• State investigation is ongoing; federal agents have limited cooperation.
• Individuals should report video or eyewitness accounts to Minnesota BCA at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca or local authorities.
• Residents are advised to follow official guidance during protests, maintain distance from conflict areas, and prioritize safety.

The incident has heightened tensions between federal authorities and local communities in Minneapolis. Immediate consequences include restricted access to the area, ongoing investigations, and increased public scrutiny of federal law enforcement actions. Residents and lawmakers are monitoring the situation closely, with the potential for changes in federal operations or state-level legal oversight.

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