US Justice Department Initiates Federal Civil Rights Investigation into Fatal Shooting of Minneapolis Nurse
The US Department of Justice has announced the opening of a federal civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse from Minneapolis. The announcement was made by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche during a press conference in Washington DC on Friday, as protests continued to rage on the streets of the Twin Cities.
Details of the Shooting and Investigation
Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal officers in Minneapolis on 24 January while protesting aggressive immigration raids and control tactics employed by officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), border patrol, and other federal agencies. Pretti, who worked at a military veterans hospital in the city and was known as an activist, died during demonstrations against the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda.
This incident marks the third shooting during a surge of immigration enforcement personnel in the Minneapolis and St Paul area, with Renee Good being the second fatality after a shooting on 7 January. Notably, the Department of Justice has not opened a similar investigation into Good's death, highlighting the significance of this new probe.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the investigation will involve examining video footage, interviewing witnesses, and comprehensively analyzing the events of that day. He emphasized that this approach is standard for Department of Justice and FBI investigations, aiming to uncover all relevant facts.
Political and Public Reactions
The announcement represents a major development, as the Trump administration had previously indicated a narrower examination by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem disclosed during a Fox News interview that the FBI would now lead the investigation into Pretti's death. Noem also admitted that initial information about the shooting, which alleged Pretti was attacking officers, may have been inaccurate, contradicted by bystander video and sworn testimonies.
Videos of the shooting show Pretti with a mobile phone in hand as officers tackled him to the ground; he did not appear to reach for the gun he was permitted to carry. Additional videos from 13 January depict an earlier altercation where Pretti yelled at federal vehicles and damaged a taillight, but his attorney, Steve Schleicher, argued this did not justify the fatal shooting over a week later.
President Donald Trump commented on his Truth Social platform, suggesting the earlier videos undermined the narrative of Pretti as a peaceful protester. Meanwhile, Secretary Noem faces calls to resign, with criticism from some Republicans, including North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, who deemed her conduct "disqualifying."
Ongoing Protests and Community Response
Protests have persisted daily across the Twin Cities, with demonstrators gathering outside federal buildings like the Bishop Henry Whipple facility south of Minneapolis. In freezing temperatures, participants held signs with messages such as "ICE out now" and "Minnesota strong," while supporters provided hand warmers and energy bars.
Ann Pelsue, a 58-year-old from Wisconsin, joined the protests, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity. Yaakov Segal, a 23-year-old demonstrator, noted that protests have continued since Good's killing, with no signs of slowing down. Caleb Dunnewind, another protester living near the shooting site, criticized federal officials for not following the rule of law.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, have expressed public fury over the federal shootings and described the situation as an "invasion" by federal officials. In response, Trump's "border czar" Tom Homan was sent to Minneapolis to replace former border patrol commander Greg Bovino, who had made inflammatory remarks about Pretti.
As the investigation unfolds, the case continues to spark intense debate over civil rights, immigration enforcement, and accountability in the US justice system.
