Newly released video footage has emerged appearing to show Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old nurse who was fatally shot by a federal immigration officer, in a confrontation with agents just days before the tragic incident.
Video Shows Dramatic Confrontation
The video, published by digital media company The News Movement, appears to show Pretti engaging with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on a Minneapolis street on January 13th. This was exactly 11 days before Pretti was shot and killed during an encounter with federal officers on Saturday.
In the two-minute clip, a man identified as Pretti can be seen rushing toward a marked government vehicle while shouting. The individual then proceeds to kick out the SUV's tail light, causing visible damage to the federal property.
Weapon Visible During Altercation
Perhaps most significantly, the footage appears to show Pretti carrying a firearm above his waistband during the confrontation. This detail has become a focal point in discussions surrounding the case, particularly as it relates to the circumstances of his subsequent fatal encounter with law enforcement.
Following the damage to the vehicle, an agent exits the SUV and pushes Pretti to the ground. Other agents quickly join to assist in restraining him, though records indicate he was only detained briefly following this altercation.
Identification and Verification
The BBC has reported that the individual in the video shares striking similarities with Alex Pretti, noting "the same coat, facial hair and gait" as the deceased nurse. Furthermore, facial recognition technology reportedly suggested a 97% match between the man in the video and Pretti.
This verification process adds significant weight to the authenticity of the footage, though official confirmation from law enforcement agencies is still pending as investigations continue.
Political Reactions and Viral Spread
The video clip gained rapid traction on social media platform X on Wednesday, quickly going viral as users shared and discussed its implications. Several Republican commentators have pointed to the footage as evidence challenging earlier characterizations of Pretti as a peaceful protester.
This development has injected new complexity into an already contentious case that sits at the intersection of immigration enforcement, police use of force, and public protest rights.
Broader Context and Investigation
The emergence of this video comes at a sensitive time in the investigation into Pretti's death. The 37-year-old nurse was fatally shot during an encounter with federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, sparking protests and calls for transparency regarding the circumstances of the shooting.
This new evidence raises questions about the nature of Pretti's previous interactions with immigration authorities and whether these encounters might have influenced the dynamics of his final confrontation with officers.
As authorities continue their investigation into both the January 13th incident and the fatal shooting 11 days later, this video footage represents a significant piece of evidence that will likely feature prominently in official inquiries and public discourse surrounding the case.
