Minneapolis ICU Nurse Fatally Shot by Federal Agents Amidst Conflicting Narratives
The city of Minneapolis is reeling after federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, during a tense confrontation on Saturday morning. This incident marks the second fatal shooting of a Minneapolis protester by federal officers in less than three weeks, following the death of Renee Nicole Good earlier this month.
Clashing Accounts of the Fatal Encounter
Federal officials have asserted that Pretti was attempting to assassinate officers with a pistol, labelling him a "would-be assassin". However, publicly available video evidence presents a starkly different sequence of events. Footage shows Pretti initially filming federal officers with his mobile phone before moving to assist a bystander who had been pushed to the ground by an agent.
Video analysis reveals Pretti attempting to stand between federal agents and the fallen individual. He is then seen being shoved, surrounded by approximately six to seven officers, wrestled to the ground, and struck multiple times. A shot rings out during the struggle, with Pretti collapsing as several more shots are fired while he lies motionless on the street.
State Officials Accuse Federal Agents of Obstruction
Minnesota state officials have levelled serious accusations against the federal agents involved. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the state's chief investigative agency, reported being denied access to the crime scene. This alleged obstruction has hampered the immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pretti's death.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit. Federal authorities have pointed to the recovery of a firearm as evidence supporting their version of events but have not released any official footage or provided a detailed timeline of the encounter.
Who Was Alex Pretti?
Family members identified the victim as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a US citizen and resident of South Minneapolis. He was a registered nurse with an active license through March 2026, having worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Pretti was a graduate of the University of Minnesota and had been listed as a "junior scientist" at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
His father, Michael Pretti, stated: "He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE. He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street. He cared about those people, and he knew it was wrong, so he did participate in protests." Pretti reportedly had no criminal convictions.
Immediate Aftermath and Escalating Tensions
Following the shooting, an angry crowd gathered at the scene despite dangerously cold temperatures of -6°F (-21°C). Protesters clashed with federal officers, who deployed flash bangs and wielded batons. Chants of "ICE out now" and "Observing ICE is not a crime" filled the air as demonstrators dragged dumpsters to block streets.
The Minnesota National Guard was deployed to assist local police at the direction of Governor Tim Walz. Meanwhile, court filings in an ongoing lawsuit against Trump administration immigration tactics revealed shocking details about the shooting's aftermath. One declaration claims a doctor was initially barred from rendering first aid to Pretti, who was found with three bullet wounds in his back.
Political Reactions and Broader Context
The incident has ignited fierce political debate. Senior White House official Stephen Miller, architect of Trump's immigration strategy, echoed federal claims by calling Pretti an "assassin". Conversely, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin blamed local Democratic leaders for creating a tense political climate, describing Pretti as a "deranged individual".
In a striking development, former Trump administration lawyer John Mitnick, who served as DHS general counsel, condemned his former agency's actions as "lawlessness, fascism, and cruelty" and called for Trump's impeachment. This shooting occurs within the context of what Homeland Security describes as its largest immigration enforcement operation to date, with officers facing allegations of unlawfully targeting both immigrants and citizens.
As investigations continue amidst conflicting narratives and allegations of obstruction, the Minneapolis community grapples with another tragic loss while demanding accountability and transparency from federal authorities.
