Video Surfaces Showing Alex Pretti’s Violent Confrontation with Federal Agents Days Before Fatal Minneapolis Shooting
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A newly released video appears to show Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old Department of Veterans Affairs ICU nurse fatally shot by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis, engaging in a violent confrontation with federal agents days before his death. The footage, recorded on January 13 and made public on January 28, depicts a man resembling Pretti spitting at agents and aggressively damaging a government SUV during enforcement operations.
The video, obtained and released by The News Movement, captures the tense encounter in which Pretti, identifiable by his beard, glasses, and clothing similar to what he wore at the time of the shooting, is seen shouting profanities and repeatedly flipping off the agents. At one point, he kicks the taillight of a federal SUV, breaking it. In response, agents exit the vehicle and move to detain him, ultimately taking him to the ground amid his continued resistance.
During the confrontation, federal agents deploy pepper balls and tear gas toward a nearby crowd, escalating the situation further. This incident occurred just days before the fatal shooting involving Pretti and U.S. Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis, which has drawn significant attention and scrutiny.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that Border Patrol agents involved in the fatal shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending investigation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is overseeing the inquiry, as is standard protocol in cases involving use of deadly force by federal law enforcement.
Authorities have disclosed that an illegal immigrant sought in connection with the Pretti shooting had a violent domestic history, adding complexity to the case. The incident has sparked debate over immigration enforcement policies and the use of force by federal agents in urban settings.
The circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death remain under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is leading the probe into the shooting. The FBI’s involvement ensures a federal-level review of the incident, aiming to provide transparency and accountability.
Pretti’s death has ignited protests and calls for reform in Minneapolis and beyond, highlighting ongoing tensions between law enforcement agencies and communities regarding immigration enforcement and civil rights. The incident also comes amid heightened political discourse surrounding immigration policy and federal agency operations.
As the investigation continues, federal agencies have pledged to release additional information as it becomes available, emphasizing their commitment to a thorough and impartial review. Meanwhile, community leaders and advocacy groups are closely monitoring developments, seeking answers and justice in the wake of the fatal encounter.
For further details on federal law enforcement protocols and ongoing investigations, readers can refer to official updates from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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