A deeply disturbing video circulating widely on social media appears to capture a member of the United States Department of Homeland Security applauding moments after protester Alex Jeffrey Pretti was fatally shot in Minneapolis. The footage has ignited fresh controversy and public outrage, with Pretti's family vehemently describing his death as an outright "murder."
Video Evidence Shows Federal Agent's Reaction
The viral clip shows an officer wearing a police vest over a black hoodie. According to the footage, as a Border Patrol agent continued firing shots in quick succession following an initial gunshot, this particular officer stepped back, clapped his hands three times distinctly, then turned and walked away from the scene. This occurred near the group where Pretti was being restrained by multiple Border Patrol agents.
Conflicting Accounts of the Armed Confrontation
Another social media video appears to show a different federal agent disarming Pretti shortly before the fatal shooting. The agent, who initially had empty hands, reached into the cluster of officers restraining Pretti, towards his lower back where a firearm was allegedly holstered. The agent then stood up and ran away holding what looked like a gun. Police stated Pretti legally owned a nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun, but it remains unclear if this was the weapon retrieved.
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino explained during a Saturday press conference that agents were attempting to arrest Jose Huerta-Chuma, an undocumented immigrant from Ecuador, when Pretti intervened. However, no bystander videos that have emerged so far visually show Pretti holding a weapon during the altercation, though the Minneapolis police chief confirmed he had a permit to carry a gun.
Family Outrage and Political Fallout
The death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti has sparked further protests in Minneapolis and significant online anger. Pretti's family accused the Trump administration of spreading what they labelled "sickening lies" about their relative, branding the White House's response as "reprehensible and disgusting."
Trump administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, quickly portrayed Pretti as the instigator, claiming he "approached" immigration officers with a gun and acted violently. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking on ABC's "This Week," questioned why Pretti was armed at a protest, stating, "I didn't bring a gun. I brought a billboard."
Gun Rights Debate Intensifies
The incident has created notable tension within the Republican Party, challenging its long-standing foundational support for Second Amendment gun ownership rights. This is particularly striking given the party's previous elevation of figures like Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted after shooting three men during a 2020 protest.
In response, gun rights advocates have emphasised the legality of carrying firearms during protests. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus stated firmly, "Every peaceable Minnesotan has the right to keep and bear arms — including while attending protests, acting as observers, or exercising their First Amendment rights. These rights do not disappear when someone is lawfully armed."
Broader Political Context and Polling
This killing occurs at a sensitive political moment for the GOP as it prepares for a challenging midterm election year. Domestically, President Trump has faced difficulties addressing widespread affordability concerns, while internationally his actions have strained NATO alliances.
Furthermore, approval of Trump's handling of immigration—traditionally a political strength for him and the Republican Party—has declined significantly. An AP-NORC poll shows just 38 percent of US adults approved in January, down from 49 percent in March, indicating shifting public sentiment amid this tragic incident and its aftermath.
