URGENT UPDATE: Newly surfaced footage captures a heated altercation between ICU nurse Alex Pretti and federal agents just days before his tragic death in Minneapolis. The recording, dated January 13, 2023, shows Pretti, aged 37, engaging aggressively with Border Patrol agents, raising urgent questions about the circumstances leading to his fatal shooting on January 24.
The video, obtained by The News Movement, depicts Pretti yelling at immigration agents, spitting, and kicking the tail light of their vehicle, causing damage. The confrontation escalates as agents tackle Pretti to the ground, while bystanders shout in distress: “Stop! Stop!” Witnesses reported the chaotic scene at the intersection of East 36th Street and Park Avenue shortly after 10 a.m. that day.
In a startling moment, the footage reveals what appears to be a gun tucked into Pretti’s waistband, although he never reaches for it during the altercation. The growing tension culminates as agents deploy gas or smoke toward the crowd, igniting further chaos.
Family representatives have confirmed Pretti’s identity in the video and acknowledged awareness of the incident following its occurrence. The altercation raises significant concerns regarding federal agents’ use of force, as Minneapolis continues to grapple with the implications of Pretti’s death.
In a response to the shooting, the Department of Homeland Security has placed the involved officers on administrative leave—a standard procedure, according to officials, indicating no implication of wrongdoing. A report obtained by CBS News confirms that two agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection discharged their weapons during the incident. Notably, it did not indicate that Pretti reached for his firearm before being shot.
Minnesota authorities assert that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit and no prior criminal record. This tragic event comes on the heels of heightened tensions surrounding federal immigration policies, as protests against such actions have surged following the recent killing of Renee Good by an ICE officer.
The community reaction has been intense, with many residents joining grassroots efforts to warn neighbors about potential immigration actions. Activist Lisa Carlson stated, “Every time I leave my vehicle, I know the risk,” highlighting the fear permeating the community.
The urgency of the situation is magnified by the fact that more than a dozen individuals have been shot by federal agents since September, prompting widespread criticism of the Trump administration and the Department of Homeland Security. The recent shooting of Alex Pretti has further ignited protests, calling for accountability and reform in federal immigration practices.
Reports indicate that Pretti was shot at least ten times within a span of five seconds. Disturbingly, videos verified by CBS show him holding a phone in his right hand, with nothing in his left, moments before the shooting unfolded. An agent, seen in the footage, appears to pull a gun from their waistband just after the first shots are fired.
As the community mourns and seeks answers, the spotlight remains on federal agents’ actions and the need for transparency in investigations surrounding such incidents. The ongoing fallout from Pretti’s death underscores the urgency for reform regarding the use of force by federal agents in immigration enforcement.
WHAT’S NEXT: As investigations continue, community leaders are calling for further protests and actions to demand accountability from federal agencies. The situation remains fluid, with many residents closely monitoring developments and advocating for change in immigration enforcement practices.
