Federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. This event ignited controversy. It also sparked claims of misinformation. The US Border Patrol presented a specific account. However, video evidence conflicts with their story. This raises serious questions. It is a developing news story.
The Official Account
Department of Homeland Security officials spoke out. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino also addressed the media. They stated Pretti approached agents with a handgun. They claimed he violently resisted arrest. Secretary Kristi Noem repeated these claims. She suggested Pretti intended mass harm. White House adviser Stephen Miller amplified these accusations. He labeled Pretti a “domestic terrorist” and “assassin.” These statements aimed to justify the fatal shooting. They painted Pretti as the aggressor.
Conflicting Evidence Emerges
Bystander videos tell a different story. Multiple camera angles capture the incident. Analysis by news outlets supports this. Reuters and The New York Times reviewed footage. CNN also provided analysis. The Guardian noted Pretti’s legal gun ownership. However, video showed no sign of him holding a weapon. Instead, Pretti filmed agents with his phone. He appeared to be directing traffic. Furthermore, he stepped between an agent and a woman. This woman had just been shoved by an agent. Agents then pepper-sprayed Pretti. They tackled him to the ground. Several agents surrounded him. Crucially, video suggests an agent removed Pretti’s firearm. This happened after Pretti was subdued. It occurred before the fatal shots were fired. Some agents even asked, “Where’s the gun?” as Pretti lay motionless. One agent then confirmed, “I got the gun.”
Pretti’s Background and Local Response
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Pretti’s status. Pretti was a lawful gun owner. He held a Minnesota state permit to carry. He had no significant criminal history. His family described him as a kind individual. He was an intensive care nurse. He worked at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Pretti was reportedly upset by the federal immigration crackdown. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the official DHS account “nonsense.” He made this statement after reviewing video evidence. State investigators were initially denied access to the scene. This happened even with a warrant. This created further distrust.
The Spread of Misinformation
Figures linked to the Trump administration pushed a specific narrative. Stephen Miller used social media. He labeled Pretti a “would-be assassin.” He called the situation “domestic terrorism.” Border Patrol Commander Bovino reiterated official claims. He stated Pretti approached agents with a handgun. He alleged Pretti wanted to “massacre law enforcement.” This pattern of rhetoric is not new. The Trump administration has a history. They have spread misinformation on immigration. This often occurs during border enforcement operations. Such tactics aim to vilify victims. They seek to deflect from potential wrongdoing. The administration prioritized blaming the victim. This happened even as evidence emerged. It happened before any full investigation concluded.
Broader Context and Tensions
This shooting is not an isolated event. It occurred during an aggressive immigration crackdown. This operation was named Operation Metro Surge. It followed another fatal shooting. Federal agents killed Renée Good on January 7, 2026. This created rising tensions in the city. Protests erupted after Pretti’s death. Local leaders and residents demanded federal agents leave Minnesota. A federal judge issued a restraining order. It aimed to prevent evidence alteration. Minnesota businesses called for de-escalation. The incident highlighted a growing divide. It underscored concerns about federal overreach. This is a trending news topic across the US.
Conclusion
The Alex Pretti shooting remains a contentious event. Official accounts face strong challenges. Video evidence and witness testimony offer a different perspective. They directly contradict federal claims. The alleged spread of misinformation by Trump administration allies fuels public anger. It raises questions about transparency and accountability. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing. The controversy continues to unfold. This story is a significant piece of US news.
