Federal Officers Fired Shots in Alex Pretti Encounter, DHS Confirms Amidst Scrutiny
A formal report to Congress has confirmed key details. Two federal officers fired their weapons. This happened during an encounter that killed Alex Pretti. The incident occurred in Minneapolis. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided the notification.
This development follows initial statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Investigators from CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility conducted an analysis. They reviewed body-worn camera footage. Agency documentation was also examined. This process is standard procedure. The law requires reporting deaths involving agents. This must be done within 72 hours.
The Incident Unfolds
Alex Pretti was 37 years old. He worked as an ICU nurse. He served at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. The encounter happened on January 24, 2026. It took place near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. This was during immigration enforcement operations.
Initial accounts suggested Pretti approached agents with a gun. However, the CBP report to Congress does not state this. It does not claim Pretti tried to reach for his firearm. Videos of the event present a different picture. These videos appear to contradict earlier official claims.
Sequence of Events
CBP agents were in Minneapolis for an operation. An officer encountered two women with whistles. The officer told them to move from the roadway. The women did not comply. The officer pushed them. One woman ran to Alex Pretti. Pretti is a U.S. citizen.
The CBP officer then tried to move Pretti and the woman. They refused to move. The officer deployed pepper spray. This spray was directed at Pretti and the woman. CBP personnel then attempted to take Pretti into custody.
Pretti resisted these efforts. A struggle ensued. During the struggle, an agent yelled, “He’s got a gun!” multiple times. Approximately five seconds later, shots were fired. A Border Patrol agent fired his Glock 19. A CBP officer also fired his Glock 47. Both officers discharged their weapons at Pretti.
Investigations and Statements
The initial response from DHS and other officials was critical. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made strong claims. She stated Pretti “approached” officers with a gun. She described it as an effort to kill officers. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino accused Pretti of trying to “massacre law enforcement.” These allegations did not appear in the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility’s report.
The report to Congress makes no claim Pretti reached for his firearm. This conflicts with earlier statements. Videos appear to show Pretti filming agents. He was seen holding a phone. He was not visibly brandishing a weapon. In fact, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted Pretti was a lawful gun owner. He had a permit to carry.
The investigation into the shooting is complex. ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations branch is leading the inquiry. This is considered unusual for their office. CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting an internal review. The DHS Inspector General has been notified.
Scrutiny and Backlash
The government’s handling of the event has drawn scrutiny. This is the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis that month. Initial portrayals of Pretti as a gunman have faced backlash. This is especially true after video footage emerged. The videos appeared to contradict official assertions.
Some administration officials privately suggested the shooting was an error. They felt agents were spooked by a possible accidental discharge of Pretti’s gun. However, this theory is not supported by the CBP report. The report does not state his gun discharged accidentally.
The integrity of the investigation has also been questioned. A Border Patrol agent reported securing Pretti’s firearm. This happened after the shooting. The weapon was cleared and stored in a vehicle. Reports indicate federal investigators lack a documented chain of custody for the handgun. This means evidence handling procedures may have been compromised.
National Impact
This incident is part of broader national news. It highlights tensions in Minneapolis. It also fuels debate about federal law enforcement actions. Activists are calling for national protests. They are organizing a “National Shutdown” against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This event underscores the ongoing national conversation. It concerns the use of force by federal agents. It also touches on the rights of citizens. The national implications are significant. Trust in federal agencies is at stake.
The White House has sought to distance itself from initial, strong claims. Officials are emphasizing that investigations must conclude. The situation remains dynamic. It continues to raise critical questions nationwide.
Alex Pretti’s death has impacted his community. His ICU co-workers grieve his loss. Patients he cared for remember his kindness. He was known for his compassion. This national news event continues to unfold.
