Fresh protests erupted in Minneapolis after a US Border Patrol officer fatally shot 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti, marking the second killing by a federal agent in the city this month. The incident has triggered nationwide outrage, demonstrations, and renewed scrutiny of federal law enforcement actions during protests.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Pretti approached agents while carrying a pistol and “violently resisted” when officers attempted to disarm him, prompting the agent to fire in self-defence. However, multiple videos circulating online and verified by Reuters appear to contradict this account, showing Pretti holding a mobile phone and attempting to assist other protesters.
The shooting occurred amid demonstrations following the January 7 killing of Renee Good, an American citizen who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis.
Who Was Alex Pretti?
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was a registered nurse employed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Born in Illinois, he was a US citizen with no criminal record, according to court documents. His family said his only previous encounters with law enforcement involved minor traffic violations, as reported by the Associated Press.
Pretti had been actively participating in protests after the death of Renee Good. In a recent call, his parents, who live in Colorado, urged him to remain safe while attending demonstrations.
What Happened During the Shooting?
DHS described the incident as an “attack” on federal officers. Officials said an agent fired after a man with a handgun resisted efforts to disarm him.
However, video footage recorded by bystanders shows a different sequence of events. In the clips, Pretti is seen filming as federal officers push protesters to the ground. He steps between an officer and two women, raises his arm defensively, and turns away after being pepper-sprayed.
As Pretti attempts to help one woman stand, officers pull him back and force him onto the icy road. One agent removes an object from Pretti’s waistband before stepping away. Moments later, another officer fires four shots into Pretti’s back, followed by additional gunfire from a second agent.
Protests and Political Fallout
Pretti’s death sparked large-scale protests in Minneapolis, where demonstrators clashed with armed and masked federal agents using tear gas and stun grenades. Solidarity protests were also reported in New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco.
Chants such as “Resisting ICE is not a crime” and “Observing ICE is not a crime” echoed through protest sites, alongside calls for justice for Renee Good.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated that he has asked the White House to allow the state to lead the investigation into the shooting. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump accused local authorities of a “cover-up,” alleging misconduct without providing evidence. He shared images of a handgun that officials said was recovered from the scene.
Pretti’s family confirmed that he legally owned a handgun and had a concealed-carry permit in Minnesota, but said they had never known him to bring it to protests. In a statement, the family described him as “kind, compassionate, and deeply committed to helping others.”
As tensions remain high, city officials have urged calm. Vigils were held across Minneapolis, where residents braved freezing temperatures to light candles, lay flowers, and offer prayers in Pretti’s memory.
At the federal level, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said he would attempt to block a major spending bill unless funding for the Department of Homeland Security is removed, a move that could increase the risk of a partial US government shutdown.
