Minnesota Authorities Reaffirm Commitment to Federal Cooperation in Pretti Death Investigation
Minnesota law enforcement officials have provided renewed assurances that they intend to collaborate closely with federal agencies regarding the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. This declaration comes amid escalating tensions and further protests in Minneapolis over immigration policies.
State-Federal Collaboration Pledged
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension issued a statement on Friday emphasizing its ongoing commitment to working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice. The agency stated it "remains committed" to identifying the optimal approach for investigating Pretti's death, which occurred on January 24 following an encounter with federal officers.
"The BCA has been clear from the day of the shooting about its desire to work cooperatively with the FBI on cases like this as the agency has in the past," the official statement read. Agency leaders confirmed they have communicated this position "directly" to FBI representatives, though specific details about these discussions were not disclosed. The statement noted that conversations between state and federal authorities are continuing.
Local Investigation Progress
Minnesota authorities have been actively gathering evidence related to Pretti's death. Local investigators have collected witness statements, physical evidence, and multiple video recordings pertaining to the fatal incident. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, emphasized the importance of transparency, stating: "A cooperative approach helps ensure Minnesotans can trust the outcome of this review."
Simultaneous Protests Turn Chaotic
As authorities provided updates on the Pretti investigation, nearly a thousand demonstrators took to Minneapolis streets on Saturday to protest the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies. The protests marked the one-month anniversary of another controversial shooting—the death of Renee Good, 37, who was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.
Hundreds gathered at the Whipple Federal Building in St. Paul, which houses an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office. The demonstration quickly escalated, with law enforcement reporting multiple incidents of unlawful behavior:
- Protesters threw ice chunks, bottles, and sex toys at police officers
- A deputy was struck in the head by thrown objects
- A police vehicle's windshield was broken
- Property damage occurred at the federal building
Police declared an unlawful assembly and ordered demonstrators to disperse immediately. According to KSTP reports, at least 42 individuals were arrested during the chaotic events. Law enforcement agencies requested assistance from the Minnesota State Patrol and Department of Natural Resources to manage the protest, with troopers equipped with crowd-control munitions, batons, and zip ties.
Connections Between Cases
The protests highlighted connections between two controversial deaths. Posters appeared in Minneapolis featuring images of both Alex Pretti and Renee Good with the tagline "Murdered by ICE." Becca Good, Renee's wife, issued a statement during the protests, saying: "You know my wife's name and you know Alex's name, but there are many others in this city being harmed that you don't know—their families are hurting just like mine, even if they don't look like mine."
Both incidents occurred within approximately one mile of each other in Minneapolis. Pretti was reportedly filming federal agents arresting a female protester when he was tackled to the ground. Footage from the incident suggests an officer removed a weapon from Pretti's waistband moments before the fatal shooting.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact
The simultaneous developments—ongoing death investigations and large-scale protests—highlight growing tensions in Minnesota regarding law enforcement practices and immigration policies. Memorials featuring flowers and personal items have appeared at locations associated with both Pretti and Good, indicating significant community concern about these incidents.
Law enforcement footage from Saturday's protests showed chaotic scenes with officers warning alleged offenders: "You are under arrest. Be seated where you are and follow the directions of officers." Dozens of protesters fled the scene while others were detained, some placed stomach-down with their arms restrained behind their backs. Additional footage captured a woman being brought to the ground by an officer while screaming continuously as other demonstrators gathered around her.
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office noted that this was not the first time their vehicles had been damaged at the Whipple Federal Building location. No further details were immediately released about the identities of those arrested or potential charges they might face.
