Victim Identified as ICU Nurse
Family members identified the man who was killed as Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse who lived and worked in Minneapolis. According to relatives, Pretti had previously participated in protests opposing the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
His death immediately drew anger and grief from community members, many of whom described him as compassionate and deeply committed to public service. By Saturday evening, hundreds of people had gathered near the site of the shooting, demanding accountability and justice.
Conflicting Accounts of the Shooting
Details surrounding the moments leading up to the shooting remain contested. The Department of Homeland Security stated that federal officers fired what it described as “defensive shots” after a man approached them with a handgun and resisted efforts to disarm him.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said information was still limited, but officers believed the man was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit to carry. However, bystander videos that surfaced online appear to show Pretti holding a mobile phone rather than a weapon at the time of the confrontation.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem later said Pretti had attempted to impede a federal operation but did not clarify whether the weapon was drawn or pointed at officers.
Escalation and Crowd Control
Video footage reviewed by media outlets shows a chaotic scene unfolding as officers attempted to restrain Pretti amid shouting protesters. Several officers surrounded him, with one seen striking him with a canister believed to contain pepper spray or another less-lethal agent.
A gunshot is heard as officers clustered around him, after which they retreat. Additional shots followed, and Pretti was seen lying motionless on the street. Emergency responders later pronounced him dead at the scene.
Police appealed for calm, urging both protesters and federal agencies to exercise restraint as tensions escalated.
National Guard Deployed, Political Fallout Grows
Governor Tim Walz ordered the Minnesota National Guard to assist local police, deploying troops both to the shooting location and to a nearby federal building where demonstrations have taken place daily.
President Donald Trump weighed in on social media, criticising state and city leaders and accusing them of failing to protect federal officers. He also shared images of a firearm that officials said was recovered at the scene.
Trump alleged that Democratic leaders were encouraging unrest, claims strongly rejected by state officials.
Investigation and Federal-State Tensions
Governor Walz said the State of Minnesota would lead the investigation, citing a lack of confidence in federal oversight. However, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension later disclosed that federal officers initially denied state investigators access to the crime scene despite a judicial warrant.
The standoff has raised serious questions about jurisdiction, accountability and transparency in federal law enforcement operations.
Protests Amid Extreme Cold
Despite sub-zero temperatures, protesters continued to gather throughout the day and into the night. Chants demanding the removal of immigration authorities echoed through the streets, while makeshift memorials bearing flowers and placards reading “Justice for Alex Pretti” appeared near the site.
Local businesses offered warmth, water and food to demonstrators as the city braced for further unrest.
Broader Implications
The shooting comes amid heightened national scrutiny of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. In Washington, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Democrats would oppose any government funding package that includes additional resources for the Department of Homeland Security.
With federal funding set to expire on January 30, 2026, the incident has intensified the risk of a partial government shutdown.
