New Footage Emerges of Alex Pretti's Confrontation With Federal Officers
Startling new video footage has surfaced showing a protester, believed to be Alex Pretti, engaging in a violent confrontation with federal officers just eleven days before his fatal shooting in Minneapolis. The video, obtained and analysed by The News Movement, depicts a man who bears a striking resemblance to Pretti spitting at a federal vehicle, smashing its tail light, and physically fighting with law enforcement personnel.
Facial Analysis Points to High Probability of Identification
According to The News Movement, sophisticated facial analysis of the newly released video indicates a 97 percent probability that the individual captured in the footage is indeed Alex Pretti. The 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse was tragically killed on January 24th after being shot ten times by Department of Homeland Security officers in broad daylight. His lawfully carried firearm was reportedly removed from its holster before an unnamed agent fired the fatal shots.
Identical Clothing and Distinctive Features
The man in the video is seen wearing an identical brown outfit to the one Pretti wore on the day of his death, adding weight to the identification. The clip begins with the individual angrily spitting at the window of a Ford Expedition SUV, which was occupied by federal officers conducting raids to arrest undocumented migrants. He is heard screaming expletives at the officers, calling them 'f*****g trash'.
As the vehicle begins to pull away, the agitated protester kicks its tail light with considerable force, causing it to shatter completely. An officer then exits the SUV and engages in a physical altercation with the man, pinning him to the ground as bystanders jeer and scream in the background. During the struggle, the protester's hat comes off, revealing the same male pattern baldness that was visible on Pretti's head during his final moments.
Escalation and Aftermath of the Confrontation
Surrounding officers responded by firing tear gas and pepper balls into the surrounding crowd. Federal agents eventually released the man from their grip, allowing him to walk away freely. The individual appeared to have a firearm in his waistband, similar to how Pretti carried his weapon. He collected his belongings that had been scattered during the scuffle and departed the scene.
It remains unclear why the man believed to be Pretti was not arrested for causing significant damage to federal property during this incident. The footage was captured on January 13th in Minneapolis, providing a troubling prelude to the fatal shooting that would occur less than two weeks later.
Broader Context and Ongoing Investigations
Pretti's death has sparked immediate and widespread outrage across the United States, coming just weeks after another individual, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed by an ICE agent on January 7th. The twin incidents have generated substantial criticism from across the political spectrum, placing considerable pressure on the Trump administration to reconsider aspects of its ongoing immigration enforcement operations.
In a significant development, the two Border Patrol agents responsible for shooting Pretti have been placed on administrative leave pending a full investigation. Sources within Homeland Security have confirmed to the Daily Mail that the unidentified agents have been suspended while inquiries into the shooting continue. Standard procedure has seen the officers receive mental health support, and they will remain on automatic administrative leave for a minimum of three days. Upon their return, they will be assigned desk duties rather than field operations.
Contradictory Narratives and Official Responses
Initial attempts by Trump administration officials to portray Pretti as a 'domestic terrorist' due to his legally-owned firearm have been undermined by a new government report. This document alleges there is no evidence that Pretti brandished his weapon, contradicting earlier claims. The report states that when an officer shouted 'gun' during the arrest, there was no indication Pretti had removed the firearm from his hip.
Social media footage of the shooting appears to show a border patrol agent disarming Pretti moments before he was shot multiple times in the back. President Trump has called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while the ICE officer involved in Good's shooting, Jonathan Ross, has also been placed on administrative leave.
The emergence of this new video raises further questions about the events leading up to Pretti's death and the handling of the confrontation on January 13th. It remains uncertain whether this clip depicts the moment Pretti suffered a broken rib during an altercation with federal officers, as revealed earlier this week, or if that injury occurred separately.
