Federal Border Patrol agent shoots and kills 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis, sparking outrage over what many see as unjustified use of force. The incident occurred during a protest against the federal government's immigration enforcement tactics. Pretti, who had participated in protests following the killing of another protester Renee Good just days earlier, was shot multiple times after allegedly resisting efforts to disarm him.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with protesters being tear-gassed and pepper-sprayed by law enforcement. Video footage shows federal agents surrounding Pretti after he appears to be defending a person who had been pushed to the ground by immigration officials. An officer then shoves Pretti to the ground, and he is subsequently pepper-sprayed before shots are fired.
The Department of Homeland Security claims that Pretti was shot after resisting efforts to disarm him, but no evidence supports this account. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino defends the actions of his agent, who has been serving for eight years with extensive training as a range safety officer and less lethal officer.
Meanwhile, protesters are demanding justice and calling for an end to what they see as unjustified immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota. Minneapolis residents have taken to the streets multiple times since January 7, when Good was killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during a traffic stop. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office has not yet released its findings on Good's death.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called for state authorities to lead the investigation into Pretti's shooting, saying "the federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation." The incident comes as tensions between protesters and law enforcement escalate in Minneapolis.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with protesters being tear-gassed and pepper-sprayed by law enforcement. Video footage shows federal agents surrounding Pretti after he appears to be defending a person who had been pushed to the ground by immigration officials. An officer then shoves Pretti to the ground, and he is subsequently pepper-sprayed before shots are fired.
The Department of Homeland Security claims that Pretti was shot after resisting efforts to disarm him, but no evidence supports this account. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino defends the actions of his agent, who has been serving for eight years with extensive training as a range safety officer and less lethal officer.
Meanwhile, protesters are demanding justice and calling for an end to what they see as unjustified immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota. Minneapolis residents have taken to the streets multiple times since January 7, when Good was killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during a traffic stop. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office has not yet released its findings on Good's death.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called for state authorities to lead the investigation into Pretti's shooting, saying "the federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation." The incident comes as tensions between protesters and law enforcement escalate in Minneapolis.