Authorities released a report to Congress about the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. The document came from the Department of Homeland Security. It detailed events in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.
Customs and Border Protection personnel attempted to arrest Pretti. The encounter began when a Border Patrol officer faced two female civilians. They blew whistles in the roadway. The officer ordered them to move and pushed them away.
One civilian ran to Pretti. He resisted arrest. A struggle followed on the ground. During the fight, a Border Patrol agent shouted “He’s got a gun!” several times.
Agents Discharge Firearms
Officers removed Pretti’s firearm from his waist. Bystander footage showed this action. However, shots rang out about five seconds later.
One Border Patrol agent fired his Glock 19. A Customs and Border Protection officer discharged his Glock 47. In addition, the report did not confirm if the bullets struck Pretti.
Pretti suffered wounds. Agents applied chest seals after cutting his clothing. Minneapolis Fire Department EMS transported him to Hennepin County Medical Center. Doctors pronounced him dead at 9:32 a.m.
Victim’s Background
Alex Pretti worked as a 37-year-old ICU nurse. He held U.S. citizenship. Additionally, he carried a legally permitted gun. Meanwhile witness videos contradicted the official narrative. However they raised questions about the sequence of events. Therefore multiple investigations were launched.
Official Responses
President Trump addressed the incident. He faulted Pretti for carrying a gun. “Agents cannot walk in with guns,” he said. Trump called the event unfortunate.
Furthermore Trump promised a “very honorable and honest investigation.” He planned to de-escalate operations in Minnesota. Border czar Tom Homan received orders to oversee them.
Trump denied any pullback. He labeled demonstrators as “paid insurrectionists” and “paid agitators.” Gov. Tim Walz met with Homan. They agreed to dialogue and reduced federal forces.
Political Backlash
Democrats demanded accountability. House leaders called for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s impeachment. They cited a “killing spree.”
Republicans urged probes. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Thom Tillis sought justice for agents’ actions. Sen. John Thune supported impartial reviews. Moreover Raphael Warnock visited the site. He described it as a “moral moment.” Warnock vowed to defund ICE.
Ongoing Investigations
The CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility led the report. DHS’s Homeland Security Investigative agency joined the probe. Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension participated.
An autopsy awaited completion. A judge summoned ICE head Todd Lyons to court. This action addressed potential contempt over detentions.
Prosecutors formed a coalition. Moreover they aimed to challenge federal overreach. Meanwhile, protests continued in Minneapolis.
Broader Implications
The shooting was linked to other incidents. It followed the killing of Renee Good. Federal operations faced scrutiny.
Schools reported absences due to fears. A judge blocked some deportations. TikTok encountered issues with related posts. As a result, the event sparked national debate. It highlighted tensions between federal agents and communities.
