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By Hollie Silverman, Adeola Adeosun, Billal Rahman, and Peter Aitken
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Warning: This video contains distressing footage.
What To Know
- Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis Saturday.
- Pretti was an ICU nurse and a lawful gun owner, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said.
- Several leaders from Minnesota and across the country have called for federal forces to be removed from the city following the second deadly shooting in a month's span.
- Multiple videos of the incident show a different story that the Department of Homeland Security narrative.
- The killing comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions in Minnesota involving previous shootings by federal immigration agents, including the killing of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by an ICE agent.
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Jan 25, 2026 at 10:33 PM EST
Republicans Join Calls for Investigation Into Fatal Minneapolis Shooting
A growing number of Republicans are pressing for a deeper investigation into federal immigration tactics in Minnesota after a U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday, signaling that the Trump administration's accounting of events may face bipartisan scrutiny.
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino sought testimony from leaders at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS), saying "my top priority remains keeping Americans safe."
A host of other congressional Republicans pressed for more information, including Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas and Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Pete Ricketts of Nebraska.
Their statements, in addition to concern expressed from several Republican governors, reflected a party struggling with how to respond to Saturday's fatal shooting of Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a VA hospital.
Jan 25, 2026 at 09:00 PM EST
Bill Clinton Issues Rare Statement Following Alex Pretti Shooting
Former President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, issued a statement that published on X on Sunday night, addressing the recent violence in Minnesota.
In a one page statement posted on his official account, Clinton wrote: "Over the course of a lifetime, we face only a few moments where the decisions we make and the actions we take will shape our history for years to come. This is one of them."
The statement described events in Minnesota, including the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents, "horrible scenes ... I never thought would take place in America."
"All of this is unacceptable and should have been avoided," Clinton wrote. "To make matters even worse, at every turn, the people in charge have lied to us, told us not to believe what we've seen with our own eyes, and pushed increasingly aggressive and antagonistic tactics, including impeding investigations by local authorities."
"It is up to all of use who believe in the promise of American democracy to stand up, speak out, and show that our nation still belongs to We the People," he added.
Jan 25, 2026 at 08:24 PM EST
Trump Criticizes Pretti For Carrying Gun At Protest: ‘Doesn’t Play Good’
President Donald Trump in an interview published by the Wall Street Journal on Sunday evening took issue with Alex Pretti carrying a gun at a protest, during which the 37-year-old ICU nurse was shot and killed by a federal agent.
The president spoke with the Journal by phone for five minutes, touching on the major events of the weekend and the aftermath, in which his administration has faced significant criticism for how officials responded to the shooting.
“I don’t like any shooting. I don’t like it,” Trump said. “But I don’t like it when somebody goes into a protest and he’s got a very powerful, fully loaded gun with two magazines loaded up with bullets also. That doesn’t play good either.”
Pretti worked at the Minneapolis VA, and was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, with records reflecting no serious criminal history, according to authorities and public records cited by local media.
Jan 25, 2026 at 07:42 PM EST
Senator Responds To JD Vance Minneapolis Comments
Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, a Democrat and veteran of the Iraq War, responded to Vice President JD Vance's anecdote he related on X from his visit to Minneapolis.
In a post on X, Vance wrote that he heard "a number of crazy stories," one of which involved off-duty ICE and CBP officers going to a diner: After having their location revealed, "the restaurant was then mobbed."
"The officers were locked in the restaurant, and local police refused to respond to their pleas for help (as they've been directed by local authorities). Eventually, their fellow federal agents came to their aid," Vance wrote, adding that "this is just a taste of what's happening."
In response, Gallego quoted Vance and wrote: "We had insurgents shoot RPGs and Machine gun fire at us. The next time we met with civilians we treated Iraqis with more respect than these officials treat US citizens."
Jan 25, 2026 at 07:00 PM EST
Trump-Aligned GOP Senator Weighs in on Alex Pretti Shooting, Citing ‘Core Values as a Nation’
Pete Ricketts, a Republican U.S. senator from Nebraska and an ally of President Donald Trump, shared his thoughts on the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents on Saturday in Minneapolis.
“The nation witnessed a horrifying situation this weekend. My prayers are with the family of Alex Pretti,” the lawmaker posted on X on Sunday afternoon.
Ricketts made clear that his “support for funding ICE remains the same,” adding, “Enforcing our immigration laws makes our streets safer. It also protects our national security.”
“But,” he added, “we must also maintain our core values as a nation, including the right to protest and assemble. I expect a prioritized, transparent investigation into this incident.”
Jan 25, 2026 at 06:30 PM EST
NBPA Releases Statement on Alex Pretti Killing in Minneapolis
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) released a statement on the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by federal agents Sunday, saying in part, "Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice."
"Following the news of yet another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been on the forefront of the fight against injustices, NBA players can no longer remain silent," the statement read.
The statement came as the Warriors-Timberwolves game took place Sunday, after being postponed due to unrest in Minneapolis following the shooting death of Pretti.
"The fraternity of NBA players, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its global citizens, and we refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all," the statement said.
"The NBPA and its members extend our deepest condolences to the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, just as our thoughts remain focused on the safety and well-being of all members of our community."
Jan 25, 2026 at 06:15 PM EST
President Trump Calls on Minnesota to Turn Over “Criminal Illegal Aliens”
President Donald Trump made a series of demands in a post on Truth Social Sunday, calling on Minnesota to turn over "criminal illegal aliens" and cooperate with the federal government following the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, 37, at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis
The President also called for congress to "immediately pass Legislation to END Sanctuary Cities, which is the root cause of all of these problems."
"American Cities should be Safe Sanctuaries for Law Abiding American Citizens ONLY, not Illegal Alien Criminals who broke our Nation’s Laws," Trump said.
"That is why I am hereby calling on Governor Walz, Mayor Frey, and EVERY Democrat Governor and Mayor in the United States of America to formally cooperate with the Trump Administration to enforce our Nation’s Laws, rather than resist and stoke the flames of Division, Chaos, and Violence," he said, listing four demands.
"1. Governor Walz and Mayor Frey should turn over all Criminal Illegal Aliens that are currently incarcerated in their State Prisons and Jails to Federal Authorities, along with all Illegal Criminals with an active warrant or known Criminal History, for Immediate Deportation.
2. State and Local Law Enforcement must agree to turn over all Illegal Aliens arrested by Local Police.
3. Local Police must assist Federal Law Enforcement in apprehending and detaining Illegal Aliens who are wanted for Crimes.
4. Democrat Politicians must partner with the Federal Government to protect American Citizens in the rapid removal of all Criminal Illegal Aliens in our Country. Some Democrats, in places like Memphis, Tennessee, or Washington, D.C., have done so, resulting in safer streets for ALL."
Jan 25, 2026 at 06:00 PM EST
Alex Pretti Shooting Timeline: Video Analysis of Federal Agents’ Actions
Several videos of the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday raise questions and cast doubt on the sequence of events put forward by U.S. government officials.
Pretti, an intensive care nurse and U.S. citizen, is the second person to be shot dead by a federal immigration agent in the Minnesota city this month as President Donald Trump and his administration forge on with an immigration crackdown that has sparked widespread backlash.
A video filmed from the dashboard of an unknown vehicle also looks to show a federal agent pushing Pretti backward during the interaction. Multiple videos show a phone is in his hand, but clips do not appear to show a gun.
Video shows at least one agent shoving a woman, seen in the screenshot on the left below, then Pretti moves toward that person and others in the street. The agent shoves another person, seen in the screenshot on the right below, with Pretti intervening.
Jan 25, 2026 at 05:45 PM EST
Attorney Who Helped in George Floyd Civil Lawsuit Calls Pretti Killing “Deeply Disturbing”
Attorney Antonio Romanucci of Romanucci & Blandin told Newsweek in an emailed statement Sunday, "The events of this weekend in Minneapolis are terrifying, deeply disturbing, and heartbreaking - with yet another U.S. citizen losing their life while taking part in the time-honored and Constitutionally protected activity of being present to observe and peacefully advocate for their beliefs."
Romanucci has been referred to as the “architect” of the record-breaking and historic civil lawsuit alongside Ben Crump against the City of Minneapolis and four of its police officers for the murder of George Floyd, according to his firm's website.
"We urge all Americans to trust their own eyes as they interpret the horrific video, and to call for an absolute end to ICE activity in Minneapolis," the Romanucci continued.
"It has clearly gone too far and strayed far beyond its stated mission of removing criminal non-citizens from the country," he said.
"It is time for a hard reset. ICE agents can leave Minneapolis. The residents of Minnesota cannot," Romanucci explained, adding, "We call for a complete and immediate end to the ICE invasion of this beautiful American city."
Jan 25, 2026 at 05:30 PM EST
NY Governor Calls For Bovino Firing, Noem Resignation
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called for the firing of Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino and the resignation of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following the shooting death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Hochul said in a post on X Sunday, that "[Noem] has forfeited her right to lead. I'm calling on her to resign."
"Gregory Bovino must also be fired," the governor continued.
"No one, not an ICE agent, not a federal officer, not a president, is above the law," Hochul concluded.
The calls for Noems resignation have echoed throughout the Democratic party following the shooting death of Pretti at the hands of federal agents.
Pretti is the second civilian to be killed in Minnesota by federal agents in less than a month.
Renee Good was killed by ICE Agent Jonathan Ross earlier this month.
Jan 25, 2026 at 05:05 PM EST
FBI Director Kash Patel Faces Backlash From Gun-Rights Advocates
FBI Director Kash Patel faced resistance from gun-rights advocates on Sunday after he addressed the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday.
Pretti had been legally carrying a gun while recording the behavior of federal agents with his phone during protests. Videos from bystanders appear to show that Pretti never pulled the gun, that an agent took it from him, and that Pretti was then was fatally shot.
Patel, speaking to Maria Bartiromo on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, stated: “You cannot bring a firearm, loaded, with multiple magazines, to any sort of protest that you want. It’s that simple. You don’t have that right to break the law and incite violence."
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus was quick to respond on its X account, posting: “This is completely incorrect on Minnesota law. There is no prohibition on a permit holder carrying a firearm, loaded, with multiple magazines at a protest or rally in Minnesota.” According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry a firearm.
The NRA had similarly weighed in on Saturday, responding to a Trump-appointed federal prosecutor who posted on X: “If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you. Don’t do it.”
The organization called the sentiment “dangerous and wrong.”
Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, responded: “Carrying a firearm is not a death sentence, it’s a Constitutionally protected God-given right, and if you don’t understand this you have no business in law enforcement or government.”
Jan 25, 2026 at 05:00 PM EST
Target, 59 Other Minnesota Companies Call for De-escalation
Sixty Minnesota-based companies, including Target, the Minnesota Vikings and the Mayo Clinic, have written an open letter to the Trump administration Sunday, calling for a de-escalation in the state.
The letter came just a day after Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a CBP agent in the streets of Minneapolis, the second death of a civilian at the hands of federal agents in the city within a months time.
"With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions," the statement read.
"The recent challenges facing our state have created widespread disruption and tragic loss of life," the statement continued.
"For the past several weeks, representatives of Minnesota’s business community have been working every day behind the scenes with federal, state and local officials to advance real solutions."
"These efforts have included close communication with the Governor, the White House, the Vice President and local mayors," the statement said, adding, "There are ways for us to come together to foster progress."
Jan 25, 2026 at 04:30 PM EST
Republican Governor Warns Trump to Change Course in Minneapolis
Following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday, a Republican governor has called on President Donald Trump to change course.
"Enough…it's not acceptable for American citizens to be killed by federal agents for exercising their God-given and constitutional rights to protest their government,” Vermont governor Phil Scott posted to X on Sunday.
Scott also criticized the behavior of federal agents in the city.
“At best, these federal immigration operations are a complete failure of coordination of acceptable public safety and law enforcement practices, training, and leadership,” he wrote. “At worst, it's a deliberate federal intimidation and incitement of American citizens that's resulting in the murder of Americans. Again, enough is enough."
He urged Trump to “pause these operations, de-escalate the situation, and reset the federal government's focus on truly criminal illegal immigrants."
Should the president stay the course, Scott warned, “Congress and the courts must step up to restore constitutionality."
Jan 25, 2026 at 04:21 PM EST
Sen. Murkowski Calls for Investigation Into Pretti Shooting
Senator Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, joined a growing bipartisan list of lawmakers calling for a comprehensive investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents on Sunday.
Murkowski's statement adds Republican support to demands for accountability following the killing of the 37-year-old ICU nurse in Minneapolis on Saturday.
"The tragedy and chaos the country is witnessing in Minneapolis is shocking," Murkowski wrote on X. "The killing yesterday of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, by ICE agents should raise serious questions within the administration about the adequacy of immigration-enforcement training and the instructions officers are given on carrying out their mission. Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American—especially, as video footage appears to show, after the victim had been disarmed."
Murkowski emphasized that federal immigration agents do not have unlimited authority in carrying out their duties. "A comprehensive, independent investigation of the shooting must be conducted in order to rebuild trust and Congressional committees need to hold hearings and do their oversight work," she wrote. "ICE agents do not have carte blanche in carrying out their duties."
Jan 25, 2026 at 04:15 PM EST
Governor Sherrill on Minneapolis Death: “Tragedy”
Newly sworn in New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill called the death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by federal agents a "tragedy" in a statement released by her office Sunday.
"Yesterday, federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti on the street in Minnesota, an ICU nurse who cared for our veterans. His death is a tragedy – and the result of a reckless operation where federal leaders have clearly lost control. But this also isn’t the first tragedy. ICE agents shot and killed Renee Good in her Honda Pilot, a mom of three who had just dropped a kid off at school," Sherrill said in the statement.
"These untrained, masked agents aren’t making communities safer – they’re occupying cities, inciting violence, and violating the Constitution. And there must be accountability for their lawless actions."
Jan 25, 2026 at 04:00 PM EST
Tim Walz Draws Anne Frank Comparison In Plea To Donald Trump
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti paid tribute to his state and citizens, saying: “We’re tired, but we’re resolved. We’re peaceful, but we’ll never forget. We’re angry, but we won’t give up, and above all else, we are clearly unified,” adding that if Trump “wanted to make an example of Minnesota, I’m damn proud of the example the world is seeing.”
But in his closing remarks, he made an open plea once again for President Donald Trump to pull back Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from his state and drew a comparison to Anne Frank and the situation facing citizens of Minnesota.
“Many of us grew up reading that story of Anne Frank,” Walz said. “Somebody’s going to write that children's story about Minnesota, and there's one person who can end this now.”
“I’ll go back to it again: Please show some decency, pull these folks out, reset this situation and allow us to do the job that the attorney general, myself, were elected to do – protect the people of Minnesota and carry out the laws of Minnesota,” Walz added.
Jan 25, 2026 at 03:45 PM EST
Bovino Refers to Alex Pretti, Renee Good as “Suspects”
Border Control Commander Gregory Bovino appeared to call Alex Pretti and Renee Good "suspects" during a press conference Sunday.
When asked about the two deaths in Minneapolis at the hands of federal agents by reporters, Bovino responded by saying, "Two suspects. You're correct. Two suspects, have been shot and suspects that assault, delay, obstruct or threaten a law enforcement officers life, it goes back to the point that we just talked about."
Renee Good, 37, was shot by ICE Agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis while in her vehicle earlier this month. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the VA was killed by a CBP agent Saturday.
Bovino made comments earlier in the press conference that implied that Pretti had made a choice that led to his death, saying in part, "When someone makes the choice to come into an active law enforcement scene, interfere, obstruct, delay, or assault personnel and they bring a weapon to do that. That is a that is a choice that that individual made."
He reiterated his stance on Pretti and Good when pressed by reporters, saying, "When individuals make poor choices, poor decisions, come into a law enforcement situation, an active law enforcement situation conspire to come into that situation, whether that's based on ideology, we don't know that'll be in the investigation that we just talked about," he continued.
"That's what we base this one second decisions on."
Jan 25, 2026 at 03:30 PM EST
Former Federal Prosecutor: Alex Pretti Death “Utterly Indefensible”
Chris Mattei, a partner at Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder and former federal prosecutor told Newsweek in an emailed statement Sunday, "the killing of Alex Pretti is utterly indefensible."
Mattei served as lead counsel for Sandy Hook families in their defamation lawsuit against Alex Jones and also served as Chief of the Financial Fraud & Public Corruption unit with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
"When he was assaulted by federal agents, he was engaged in core First Amendment activities and was attempting to help two women, one of whom had been forcibly pushed to the ground by masked, aggressively approaching agents," Mattei explained in the statement. "According to local police, Mr. Pretti lawfully possessed a firearm as was his right, but there is no evidence that Mr. Pretti did anything to endanger the agents."
"This was an execution in broad daylight and a violent affront to the Bill of Rights," he concluded.
Jan 25, 2026 at 03:15 PM EST
Bovino Says Investigation Needs to Be Finished to “Paint a True Picture”
Border Control Commander Gregory Bovino said that investigation needs to be done into the shooting death of Alex Pretti during a press conference Sunday.
When asked by a reporter about the videos that contradict the narrative given by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about the death of Pretti, Bovino said that investigation is needed.
"There are many videos out there. Many different accounts that you may see that I may see, anybody here may see," he said, adding "That is why we have something called an investigation."
"And what you're talking about, to take those videos and take witness statements, to take officer statements, all those minute details will paint a true picture not a freeze frame concept," Bovino continued.
Bovino did not address any claims that witnesses had been detained, or claims made by state investigators that they had initially been blocked from the scene by federal agents.
Jan 25, 2026 at 03:00 PM EST
Bovino Implies Minneapolis Death Was Result of “Choices”
Border Control Commander Gregory Bovino began a press conference Sunday by talking about choices, making comments that seemed to imply that the Minneapolis shooting death was a result of choices.
"When someone makes the choice to come into an active law enforcement scene, interfere, obstruct, delay, or assault personnel and they bring a weapon to do that. That is a that is a choice that that individual made," Bovino told reporters.
"Making a choice is a freedom that resides within us," Bovino said, adding, "Many actions that take place are due to our choices."
Bovino said that those choices have "actions and consequences," noting that people who listen to politicians and journalists could make the wrong decision.
*"*And then when you choose, that someone chooses to listen to a politician, a so-called journalist, a community leader spouting that type of vilification...When you choose to listen to that, that is a choice. There are consequences of actions," Bovino explained.
"I think we saw that yesterday. And those actions and choices and obviously have tragic bad outcomes," he continued.
Bovino never said the name of Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old ICU nurse killed in the shooting, during his comments on choice.
Jan 25, 2026 at 02:30 PM EST
GoFundMe Hits $600,000 for Alex Pretti After Deadly Shooting
A campaign set up on GoFundMe to benefit the family of Alex Pretti after he was shot and killed by a CBP agent in Minneapolis has reached over $600,000 in funding as of Sunday.
Organizer Kieth Edwards started "Alex Pretti is an American Hero" with a goal of raising $20,000, according to the website, which shows that Sunday afternoon over $604,000 had been raised.
The campaign description states that Pretti, a Minneapolis resident and American citizen, was "executed on the streets of Minneapolis by ICE agents." The fundraiser aims to support Pretti's loved ones with "immediate and ongoing needs," according to the page.
The GoFundMe organizer stated that funds will not be distributed until next-of-kin can be verified and an appropriate family representative identified to manage the donations.
Jan 25, 2026 at 02:15 PM EST
Former ICE Official Breaks Down Alex Jeffrey Pretti Shooting
A former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) National Security prosecutor has walked Newsweek through the events of Alex Jeffrey Pretti's shooting, noting the possible missteps ICE officers took that led to the fatal shooting.
"The tragic shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an American citizen, is a case study in what happens when we put federal agents in civilian situations without proper training or expectations of accountability," Javad M. Khazaeli, Founding Partner at Khazaeli Wyrsch, LLC, former ICE National Security prosecutor, and board member of Immigrants’ List, told Newsweek.
"The vast majority of agents on the ground in Minneapolis right now are either brand new hires, or are Customs and Border Protection agents that spent their career checking passports," Khazaeli said.
"They are not trained to operate in a civilian area, particularly in a high-stakes crowd setting like we are seeing in Minneapolis," he continued. "After the Renee Goode shooting, the Trump DOJ has been clear—it will not investigate when immigration officers kill citizens."
Jan 25, 2026 at 02:00 PM EST
Court Docs: DHS Blocked Investigators from Alex Pretti Death Scene
Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), said in a declaration of support for a restraining order that he and other investigators were blocked from responded to the scene after Alex Pretti was killed.
US District Judge Eric Tostrud granted that temporary restraining order to prevent federal agencies from altering or destroying evidence in the deadly shooting of Pretti.
The BCA investigates deadly use of force cases, particularly when officers shoot, Evans said in the record.
"Historically, the BCA has also responded to shootings involving federal law enforcement. In the past, the BCA has often handled these types of investigations without federal involvement," Evans said in the court document. "If federal law enforcement is involved in the investigation, the BCA has historically worked in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to conduct a complete and thorough investigation of those incidents."
After the death of Pretti at the hands of a CBP agent, Evans and other BCA members responded to the scene in the area of 26th Street East and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Hennepin County.
Evans said the BCA arrived within an hour of the shooting, before the FBI arrived and was barred from entering the scene.
"As the BCA was responding, I was in contact with federal authorities to let them know that we would be on site for an investigation," Evans explained, noting that "When the BCA agents and crime scene personnel arrived, they were blocked by federal agents with the DHS from accessing the scene."
"The BCA continued to make contact with federal authorities, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to try to attempt to access the scene so that the BCA could gather evidence, understand what occurred, and work through our normal investigative process. DHS did not respond," he continued.
Jan 25, 2026 at 01:45 PM EST
Obamas Release Statement on Alex Pretti Shooting
Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama shared a joint statement on X about the death of Alex Pretti, calling the killing a "heartbreaking tragedy."
"It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault," Obama said in a post on X Sunday.
Jan 25, 2026 at 01:30 PM EST
Trump Doubles Down on Claim Minnesota Shooting is “Criminal Cover Up”
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Sunday, saying that "Minnesota is a Criminal COVER UP of the massive Financial Fraud that has gone on!"
While Trump didn't specify what the cover up was exactly, the statement came a day after Alex Pretti was killed by a CBP agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It also came a day after the president shared images from DHS, calling the Minneapolis shooting a "cover up."
Trump responded to the shooting Saturday by posting an image of a weapon DHS said Pretti was carrying. The president said in part Saturday, "This is the gunman’s gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go – What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE Officers? The Mayor and the Governor called them off?"
"It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves — Not an easy thing to do!" the President continued.
In a follow up post Saturday, Trump said the shooting was a "'COVER UP' FOR THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS THAT HAVE BEEN STOLEN FROM THE ONCE GREAT STATE (BUT SOON TO BE GREAT AGAIN!) OF MINNESOTA!"
Jan 25, 2026 at 01:00 PM EST
NRA Makes Rare Statement Against Trump Admin Over Alex Pretti Shooting
The National Rifle Association (NRA) criticized comments by a senior federal prosecutor warning that approaching law enforcement with a gun could justify a fatal police response, saying such statements risk "demonizing law‑abiding citizens" as the nation reels from the killing of a man in Minneapolis by a U.S. border agent.
The NRA was responding to remarks by Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, who said that "if you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you," adding, "Don’t do it." In a statement, the gun‑rights group called that view "dangerous and wrong," urging public officials to refrain from broad generalizations and to wait for the outcome of a full investigation into Alex Pretti’s death.
The organization has also spoken out against "radical progressive politicians like Tim Walz," accusing them of inciting "violence against law enforcement officers who are simply trying to do their jobs."
Jan 25, 2026 at 12:30 PM EST
Doctor Describes Alex Pretti Shooting Scene
A doctor described the scene of Alex Pretti's shooting death in Minneapolis in court records reviewed by the New York Times.
The doctor, whose name was redacted in the documents, watched part of the encounter from their apartment, according to the report.
They said they saw Pretti being shoved to the ground and shot while in their apartment before heading outside to provide aid.
While the agents initially told the doctor no, they eventually let the doctor check Pretti after a pat down, according to the report.
“Normally, I would not have been so persistent,” the doctor said in the statement, as reported by the New York Times, “but as a physician, I felt a professional and moral obligation to help this man, especially since none of the agents were helping him.”
The doctor began performing CPR before medical personnel arrived and took over, the report said, noting that Pretti had no pulse when the doctor checked.
“I was sobbing and shaking uncontrollably,” the doctor said in the statement, "I do not feel safe in my city.”
Jan 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST
Roads Reopen Near Alex Pretti Death Site
The City of Minneapolis has lifted restrictions on vehicles in the area where Alex Pretti was killed by federal agents.
In a press release issued Sunday, the city said that city leaders would check in with businesses and residents to "assess status and offer resources."
City crews will also be cleaning up graffiti in the area. The press release noted that that the "teams will be driving in clearly marked City vehicles."
The Minneapolis Police Department said there were no arrests, burglaries or fires overnight and things have calmed.
"Last night, thousands of people peacefully gathered at sites across Minneapolis to remember the two people shot and killed during interactions with federal immigration agents this month," the press release said.
“The memorials and gatherings were peaceful,” Mayor Jacob Frey said in the release. “Thank you to our law enforcement partners, community organizations and leaders, City staff, and neighbors who helped keep things calm and safe last night. Let’s continue that collective effort today.”
Jan 25, 2026 at 11:45 AM EST
Bovino Says Second Amendment Did Not Apply to Alex Pretti
In an interview with CNN's Dana Bash Sunday, Border Control Commander Gregory Bovino said that the second amendment didn't apply to Alex Pretti because it doesn't apply when federal officers are being obstructed or assaulted.
“We respect that Second Amendment right, but those rights don’t count when you riot and assault, delay, obstruct and impede law enforcement officers and, most especially, when you mean to do that beforehand,” Bovino explained.
Bovino gave no evidence of Pretti's obstruction, nor did he answer several questions on specifics surrounding the shooting, CNN reported.
“He injected himself into that crime scene. I can’t say that enough, he made the decision to go there," Bovino told CNN, adding "We didn’t make the decision to talk to him."
“We heard the law enforcement officer say, ‘Gun, gun, gun.’ So at some point they knew there was a gun,” he said. “He brought a semiautomatic weapon to a riot, assaulted federal officers," he continued.
"So, I do believe the Secretary is 100% spot on in what she said," he said referring to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who has painted the killing as a defensive action by her agents.
Jan 25, 2026 at 11:30 AM EST
Walz Reiterates Call for Federal Agents to be Removed from Minnesota
Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz reiterated his call for the Trump administration to remove federal agents from the state.
"Minnesota believes in law and order," Walz said in a post on X Sunday. "We believe in peace."
"And we believe that Trump needs to pull his 3,000 untrained agents out of Minnesota before they kill another American in the street," he continued.
Walz has made the call for ICE and CBP to be removed multiple times, but its grown more urgent since the death of Alex Pretti, the second civilian to be killed by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
Jan 25, 2026 at 11:15 AM EST
Ro Khanna Calls on Congress to Make Change After Pretti Shooting
Congressman Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, has called on Congress to make changes following the death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
He made a series of demands in a post on X Sunday, which included several moves to defund ICE and prosecute agents who break the law.
"Congress is not powerless. Democrats must unify around an actual agenda," he said.
He also called for the impeachment of both AG Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Jan 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM EST
Thomas Massie: “Carrying a Firearm Is Not a Death Sentence”
U.S. Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, weighed in on the death of Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis.
"Carrying a firearm is not a death sentence, it’s a Constitutionally protected God-given right," Massie said in a post on X Sunday.
"And if you don’t understand this you have no business in law enforcement or government," he added.
Massie has been an outlier in his party and a critic of President Donald Trump and the administration on several key topics.
The post made on X Sunday was in response to a post from Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, that said, "If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you. Don’t do it!"
Multiple videos taken by witnesses show Pretti holding a phone in one hand with his other hand empty before he was shot by a CBP agent.
Pretti was an ICU nurse working who worked at the VA. He was also a lawful gun owner and permitted carrier, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said at a press conference Saturday.
Jan 25, 2026 at 10:45 AM EST
Klobuchar on Pretti Video: “Your Eyes Don’t Lie”
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) spoke with NBC's Kristen Welker on Meet the Press Sunday about the killing of Alex Pretti and the narrative that the Department of Homeland Security has used.
"So when you see the video, and many Americans have seen it, you can see it from all different angles. What you see is someone brandishing a cell phone who is simply there with a cell phone helping someone up, a woman up, as his parents point out, when she had slipped," Klobuchar explains.
"And so when I hear these officials from the Trump administration describe this video in ways that simply aren't true, I just keep thinking your eyes don't lie."
Klobuchar said the parents of Pretti have asked leaders to help get the truth out there about their son, who they describe as "a kind-hearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at Minneapolis VA Hospital."
Jan 25, 2026 at 10:30 AM EST
Who Is the Federal Agent Who Shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis? What We Know
The federal agent who fatally shot Alex Pretti during a confrontation in Minneapolis on January 24 has not been publicly identified, and authorities have released only limited details about the officer as multiple investigations get underway.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that the shooting was carried out by a U.S. Border Patrol agent, but it has not released the agent’s name or unit assignment.
According to DHS and Border Patrol leadership, the agent involved is an eight‑year veteran of the agency. No further biographical details, disciplinary history or prior use‑of‑force incidents involving the agent have been disclosed publicly.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the agent fired what it described as "defensive shots" after Pretti allegedly approached officers with a handgun and "violently resisted" efforts to disarm him. The department has not specified whether the agent believed Pretti was actively brandishing the weapon at the moment shots were fired.
Jan 25, 2026 at 10:09 AM EST
Federal Judge Grants Restraining Order Against DHS
A federal judge granted a temporary restraining order to prevent federal agencies from altering or destroying evidence in the deadly shooting of Alex Pretti.
Pretti was killed by a CBP agent in Minneapolis Saturday, multiple videos from the scene show. This is the third homicide in Minneapolis in 2026, two of which have been committed by federal agents, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said at a Saturday press conference. It comes just weeks after Renee Good was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.
The order was granted by US District Judge Eric Tostrud late Saturday, court records show.
"Defendants, together with their employees, agents, and anyone acting in concert with them, are ENJOINED from destroying or altering evidence related to the fatal shooting involving federal officers that took place in or around 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, including but not limited to evidence that Defendants and those working on their behalf removed from the scene and/or evidence that Defendants have taken into their exclusive custody," the order read.
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