Two federal agents discharged their firearms during the fatal encounter with 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, according to a notification delivered to Congress by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency. This information was confirmed by The Associated Press on March 15, 2024, following a preliminary investigation involving body-worn camera footage and agency reports.
The incident unfolded when CBP officers attempted to take Pretti into custody. The situation escalated into a struggle, during which one officer shouted, “He’s got a gun!” multiple times. Both a Border Patrol agent and a CBP officer subsequently fired their weapons. Initial reports from the Department of Homeland Security indicated that Pretti approached officers while armed with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and two magazines. However, officials have not clarified whether Pretti brandished the weapon during the encounter.
“The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted,” the Department of Homeland Security stated via X. “Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but he was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Governor Criticizes DHS Response
Following the shooting, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the Department of Homeland Security for its handling of the situation. He expressed discontent with the agency’s decision to share details about the incident, including a photo of the firearm, on social media before completing a thorough investigation. “It’s nonsense, people,” Walz stated. “It’s nonsense and it’s lies.”
Reports from CNN reveal that Pretti had previously encountered federal agents a week before the fatal shooting, resulting in a broken rib. According to a source who requested anonymity, the earlier incident began when Pretti intervened while observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents pursuing a family on foot. Pretti reportedly shouted and blew a whistle, leading to a confrontation with five agents, during which he was tackled and injured. The agents subsequently released him at the scene.
Community Outrage and Ongoing Protests
The shooting of Alex Pretti has sparked community outrage in the Twin Cities, with protests erupting since January 7, 2024, following another high-profile incident involving federal agents. On that date, 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer identified as Jonathan Ross after she allegedly attempted to ram him and other officers with her vehicle. Ross reportedly sustained internal bleeding during that encounter.
As public protests continue, the community is grappling with the implications of these incidents and their impact on trust in law enforcement. The ongoing investigations aim to shed light on the events leading to these lethal encounters and address the concerns of the affected families and communities.
The situation remains fluid as further details are expected to emerge from ongoing investigations and community discussions.
