Newly surfaced video evidence has provided a stark visual account of the events leading to the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Minneapolis last Saturday. The footage, captured from multiple angles, offers a detailed timeline of the confrontation that culminated in the tragic incident.
First Video Captures Initial Confrontation Near Glam Doll Donuts
The initial video, recorded just after 9am near the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue, close to the popular Glam Doll Donuts establishment, shows the moments immediately preceding the shooting. In the clip, Pretti can be seen engaging with ICE agents, holding his mobile phone in hand and angling it towards the officers. One ICE agent is observed backing Pretti towards the sidewalk, setting the stage for the subsequent altercation that unfolded in full view of the public.
Second Footage Reveals Struggle and Pepper Spray Deployment
A second video, seemingly filmed moments later, depicts Pretti struggling with federal agents mere seconds before the fatal shots were fired. The footage indicates that the victim appeared to be defending another civilian who had been forcefully shoved to the ground during the encounter. As Pretti attempted to push an ICE official away, the officer responded by pulling out pepper spray and discharging the canister directly into Pretti's face.
Onlookers at the scene reacted with shouts and car horns as the situation escalated rapidly. The altercation intensified as Pretti was wrestled to the ground, culminating in the sound of gunshots ringing out. The new video angles collectively illustrate a sequence where Pretti confronted ICE agents, was subjected to pepper spray, and was ultimately shot down.
Police Chief Details Victim's Background and Clean Record
At a subsequent news conference, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara provided additional context about the deceased individual. Chief O'Hara confirmed that the man shot was a 37-year-old white male with no serious criminal history, noting that his record contained only minor infractions such as parking tickets. Law enforcement sources corroborated this information on Saturday, stating that their records similarly showed Pretti had no significant criminal background.
Furthermore, O'Hara disclosed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit to carry. Records indicate that Pretti was an alumnus of the University of Minnesota and had been issued a nursing license in 2021, which remains active and valid through March 2026. This professional standing adds a layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding his untimely death.
Community and Investigative Responses Under Scrutiny
The release of these videos has sparked renewed scrutiny over the actions of federal agents during the incident and the broader protocols governing such encounters. The visual evidence raises questions about the use of force and the circumstances that led to a fatal outcome involving an individual with a clean legal record and professional credentials.
As investigations continue, the footage serves as a critical piece of evidence, potentially influencing public perception and official inquiries into the shooting. The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding law enforcement interactions and highlights the importance of transparency in such high-stakes situations.
