Federal agents shot and killed a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, the second person to be fatally shot in the city during the Trump administration's immigration enforcement crackdown this month.
Local officials identified the man as 37-year-old Alex Pretti, a US citizen who lived in Minneapolis and worked as a nurse.
Videos have emerged showing a scuffle between Border Patrol agents and Pretti in the lead-up to the shooting. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the agents fired in self-defense after Pretti, who they claimed had a handgun, resisted their attempts to disarm him.
Eyewitnesses, local officials, and Pretti's family have challenged that account, pointing out that he had a phone in his hand, not a weapon. His parents expressed their anger at the administration for spreading sickening lies about what happened, urging for the truth to be revealed.
The incident, which occurred near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street, has led to protests and renewed calls from local leaders for federal agents to vacate the city. Videos captured during the moments leading up to the incident show Pretti in the street, filming agents with his phone, as they became aggressive toward others nearby.
Greg Bovino, the Border Patrol commander, stated that agents were conducting a targeted immigration enforcement operation when Pretti approached them and purportedly brandished a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, requiring the officers to act defensively.
Officials later shared a photo on social media allegedly depicting a firearm belonging to Pretti, along with ammunition. However, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara noted that Pretti was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a permit.
Following the incident, Pretti's parents stated in a family statement that they were heartbroken but also very angry, refuting claims that he posed a threat and emphasizing his compassionate character, especially in his role caring for veterans as an ICU nurse.
