DHS Internal Watchdog Report Challenges Official Narrative in Minneapolis Border Patrol Shooting
A preliminary review conducted by the Department of Homeland Security's internal watchdog has revealed findings that appear to directly contradict claims made by the Trump administration following a fatal shooting in Minneapolis. According to the report, two federal agents fired at protester Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, during an incident on Saturday, with no mention that Pretti brandished a weapon before being killed.
Contradictory Claims from Homeland Security Leadership
The preliminary review, conducted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility and sent to Congress on Tuesday, stands in stark contrast to statements made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Secretary Noem had been quick to assert that Pretti had been "brandishing" a weapon before the two Border Patrol agents opened fire. Furthermore, her department issued a statement claiming without evidence that the nurse had intended to "massacre law enforcement."
The review, based on body camera footage and official documents obtained by The New York Times and ABC News, provides the first official timeline of the events that unfolded that fateful Saturday morning. A Customs and Border Protection spokesperson emphasised that the review represents standard protocol and does "not convey any definitive conclusion or investigative findings."
Detailed Timeline of the Fatal Encounter
The ordeal began at approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday when a federal officer was confronted by two female protesters who were blowing whistles. According to the report, "The CBPO ordered the female civilians to move out of the roadway, and the female civilians did not move. The CBPO pushed them both away and one of the females ran to a male, later identified as 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a US citizen."
The officer attempted to move both the woman and Pretti out of the road, but when they refused to comply, the agent deployed pepper spray toward them. A struggle then ensued between the federal agent and Pretti, who "resisted" the officer's attempts to take him into custody. "During the struggle, a [Border Protection agent] yelled, 'He's got a gun!' multiple times," the report continued.
Approximately five seconds later, the agent "discharged his CBP-issued Glock 19 and a CBPO also discharged his CBP-issued Glock 47 at Pretti." Analysis from The Times indicates that the officers fired 10 shots at Pretti, including six after he was lying motionless on the ground.
Critical Questions About Weapon Possession
The report makes no mention of Pretti brandishing a weapon before he was killed, directly challenging Secretary Noem's initial claims. After the shooting, the Border Patrol agent "advised he had possession of Pretti's firearm." While the report does not specify exactly when the agents disarmed Pretti, who was lawfully carrying the firearm according to local authorities, footage of the incident appeared to show that Pretti's firearm had been taken away before he was shot multiple times.
At approximately 9:02 a.m., Pretti was provided medical aid by Customs and Border Protection personnel, who placed chest seals on his wounds. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center in an ambulance and was pronounced dead at approximately 9:32 a.m.
Political Fallout and Administration Response
President Donald Trump has attempted to reduce tensions in Minneapolis by withdrawing Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, who had insisted on Sunday that the two Border Patrol agents were the "victims" of the shooting. The president stated he wanted an "honest" investigation into Pretti's killing, marking a significant shift in tone following the fatal shooting of mother-of-three Renee Good.
Trump's border czar Tom Homan has been dispatched to Minneapolis to calm tensions, where he has met with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to discuss how to move forward. Meanwhile, Secretary Noem has faced calls to resign from Democrats and two Republican senators.
President Trump met with Noem for two hours in the Oval Office on Monday evening, though he did not suggest her job was at risk. The president is standing by her and will not be calling for her resignation, he told reporters on Tuesday.
