UPDATE: New eyewitness accounts and a pediatrician’s observations are raising critical questions about the shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on Saturday. This incident, occurring during Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement effort, has ignited controversy as details continue to unfold.
According to a sworn declaration from a civilian witness, moments before the shooting, Pretti was filming the confrontation between federal agents and bystanders when tensions escalated. The witness recounts, “An agent approached and asked us to back up, so I moved slowly back onto the sidewalk. The man stayed in the street, filming as the other observers… were being forced backward by another ICE agent threatening them with pepper spray.” The witness emphasized that Pretti was unarmed and merely trying to assist others when he was attacked by multiple agents.
The situation intensified when an ICE agent allegedly shoved a woman to the ground. “The man tried to help up the woman… More agents came over and grabbed the man who was still trying to help,” the witness stated. “I didn’t see him touch any of them… Four or five agents had him on the ground and they just started shooting him. They shot him so many times.”
A nearby pediatrician, who observed the scene from his apartment, corroborated the witness’s claims. After hearing gunshots, he attempted to provide medical aid but was initially denied access by ICE agents. “None of the ICE agents who were near the victim were performing CPR, and I could tell that the victim was in critical condition,” he reported.
The doctor, upon gaining access, noted, “I was confused as to why the victim was on his side… Instead of doing either of those things, the ICE agents appeared to be counting his bullet wounds.” He identified at least three gunshot wounds to Pretti’s back, an additional wound to the upper left chest, and another possible wound to the neck. Despite his efforts to administer CPR, the doctor found no pulse.
The Department of Homeland Security has defended the actions of the officers involved, stating that they “attempted to disarm the suspect,” who allegedly “violently resisted.” However, video evidence circulating on social media appears to contradict this narrative, showing Pretti on the ground surrounded by agents just before shots were fired. Reports indicate that Pretti was known to possess a handgun legally.
As this story develops, the implications are significant for local communities, raising questions about the conduct of federal agents during immigration enforcement operations. The family of Pretti, a VA nurse and immigrant advocate, is mourning his loss and seeking justice.
Next Steps: Authorities are expected to face increased scrutiny as investigations continue. Calls for transparency and accountability are growing louder within the community, and further witness statements may emerge, complicating the official narrative. The situation is evolving rapidly, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.