Previously Unseen Footage Shows Minneapolis Nurse's Confrontation With Federal Agents
Newly released video footage has revealed a significant altercation between Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti and federal officers, occurring just eleven days before Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents. The digital news outlet The News Movement published the video on Wednesday, depicting an incident on January 13th in Minneapolis during community protests against the city's crackdown.
Details of the January 13th Incident
The video shows federal officers appearing to grab Alex Pretti and bring him to the ground. While the events leading up to the confrontation remain unclear, the footage captures Pretti shouting at agents inside an unmarked vehicle and kicking the vehicle's tail light as it begins to move away. Subsequently, a heavily armed agent exits the car, tackles Pretti to the ground, and other officers quickly crowd around the scene.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has publicly stated that he does not consider this new footage relevant to the fatal shooting of Pretti that occurred on January 24th. This statement comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of the official narrative surrounding Pretti's death.
Contradictions in Official Accounts
Initial claims from Trump administration officials suggested that Pretti was "brandishing" a gun when he was killed. However, video evidence from the January 24th shooting directly contradicts this assertion, clearly showing Pretti holding a mobile phone rather than a firearm. State officials have confirmed that Pretti held a valid license to carry a firearm, though he had been disarmed before the first shots were fired during the fatal incident.
Regarding the January 13th altercation, there appears to be a firearm visible in Pretti's waistband in the footage. Notably, Pretti never touched or reached for this weapon during or after the confrontation with federal agents.
International Context: Iran's Crackdown on Medical Professionals
In a separate but related development concerning state responses to dissent, doctors in Iran are facing arrest for providing medical treatment to protesters injured during the country's brutal crackdown on anti-regime demonstrations. Human rights groups describe these arrests as part of a "campaign of revenge" against healthcare workers who treated individuals shot or stabbed during the unrest.
One prominent case involves Iranian surgeon Alireza Golchini, aged 52 from Qazvin, who has been charged with "moharebeh" (waging war against God), an offence that can carry the death penalty according to the Norway-based rights organisation Hengaw. Estimates of the death toll from the crackdown vary significantly, with the US-based Human Rights Activists news agency verifying more than 6,000 fatalities and investigating a further 17,000 recorded deaths.
Diplomatic Incident at Ecuadorian Consulate
Further tensions have emerged in Minneapolis involving US federal authorities. Ecuador has formally complained to the United States government after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent attempted to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis on Tuesday morning. The agent was turned back by a consulate employee, prompting Ecuador's foreign minister to submit an immediate note of protest to the US embassy.
Video verified by Reuters shows the consulate employee telling the agent: "This is the consulate of Ecuador, you are not allowed to enter." The agent responded: "Relax, relax, I didn't enter," before warning the staffer: "If you touch me, I will grab you." The agent departed the premises shortly after this exchange.
Broader News Developments
In other significant developments, Elon Musk announced on Wednesday that Tesla would cease production of its Model X and S vehicles, signalling a strategic pivot away from automotive manufacturing toward robotics. Meanwhile, several crew members from a ship that crashed into a bridge in Baltimore nearly two years ago remain detained by federal authorities despite no criminal charges being filed against them.
Russia has launched drone and missile attacks across Ukrainian cities, resulting in civilian casualties including a couple killed near Kyiv, just before scheduled peace talks this weekend. A Guardian analysis has revealed that millions of people worldwide are creating and sharing deepfake nude images on the secure messaging app Telegram.
Economic and Social Trends
The price of gold has surged dramatically, surpassing $5,500 per ounce for the first time ever, just three days after reaching the $5,000 milestone. Year-to-date gains approach 30% as investors flock to safe-haven assets amid geopolitical uncertainty and a weakening US dollar.
In parenting trends, a noticeable online backlash against "gentle parenting" methods is emerging, with the more confrontational "Fafo" approach gaining traction. Critics argue this method relies on children's fear and erodes trust, while proponents claim it effectively teaches children about consequences.
Environmental concerns persist as critics accuse the Environmental Protection Agency under the second Trump administration of abandoning its regulatory mission in favour of supporting coal, gas-guzzling vehicles, and artificial intelligence. Recent weeks have seen particularly strong criticism that the agency places "zero value on human life" when establishing air pollution regulations.
Finally, a new sleep trend dubbed the "potato bed" has gained popularity on TikTok, involving creating a cocoon-like arrangement of pillows, blankets, and duvets to sleep upon. While potentially problematic for spinal health, the trend reflects a desire for comfort and escape from daily stresses.
