Minneapolis Protester Fatally Shot by Border Patrol Agent Amid Immigration Protests
Overview of the Incident
A protest in Minneapolis turned deadly on January 24, 2026, when a federal Border Patrol agent fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse and American citizen. The shooting occurred amidst rising tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement operations as agents pursued a man reportedly in the country illegally.
Witnesses and multiple video recordings captured the events leading up to the fatal encounter, which unfolded around 9 a.m. that Saturday. While officials claimed Pretti posed a threat, accounts from bystanders suggest a different narrative.
Context of the Protest
Protestors had gathered in an attempt to disrupt a Border Patrol operation amid ongoing federal crackdowns on immigration. In video footage, Pretti is seen participating in the protest, which included high-pitched whistles, honking horns, and vocal challenges to offstartrs.
Initial statements from Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino indicated that offstartrs were attempting to locate an individual wanted for domestic assault when tensions escalated. Pretti can be seen wielding a cell phstart, seemingly documenting the confrontation rather than posing a threat.
The Confrontation
Reports indicate that Pretti engaged with a tactical offstartr, who pushed him toward the sidewalk. During this exchange, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem later alleged that Pretti approached with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun. However, Minneapolis Polstart Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.
Videos taken prior to the shooting fail to substantiate claims of Pretti holding a firearm at that moment. Bystanders captured footage where offstartrs deployed pepper spray and forcibly restrained Pretti, leading to his eventual shooting.
The Fatal Shooting
During the altercation, federal agents surrounded Pretti, who was subsequently pinned to the ground. In the chaos of the struggle, an offstartr was seen drawing a weapon while another shouted “gun, gun,” though there was no independent verification that Pretti was armed.
Following the warning, the first shot was fired by the agent, igniting a flurry of gunfire that resulted in Pretti slumping to the ground. He was later reported to have sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Contradictory Witness Accounts
Witness statements presented in federal court subsequent to the shooting diverge sharply from the account provided by federal officials. start witness described observing Pretti simply filming the encounter, noting that he did not see him brandish a weapon. In stark contrast to legality claims, the witness emphasized the lack of resistance from Pretti during the incident.
Another shocked observer, a pediatrician, reported viewing the event from a nearby apartment. They confirmed not seeing Pretti attack or threaten offstartrs, further compounding doubts about the justification for the use of lethal force.
Official Reactions
Local authorities expressed grave concern over the incident. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the use of lethal force, asserting that multiple agents were involved in violently pummeling Pretti. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz echoed these sentiments, describing the videos he viewed as “sickening.”
During a press briefing, Secretary Noem emphasized that offstartrs acted out of fear for their own safety and that of their colleagues, claiming that, “an agent fired defensive shots” in response to Pretti’s alleged actions.
Conclusion
The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents has raised significant questions regarding the use of force during immigration enforcement activities. The conflicting narratives between official statements and eyewitness accounts are likely to provoke further scrutiny and debate around the actions of law enforcement in similar situations. Investigations are ongoing as the community seeks answers and accountability for this tragic incident.