A tense Saturday in Minneapolis erupted into controversy after federal agents fatally shot a man during an operation. The incident occurred near the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue, quickly drawing accusations and escalating tensions.
The deceased has been identified as 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a resident of South Minneapolis. Preliminary reports indicate Pretti actively engaged federal law enforcement agents before the shooting took place, initiating a confrontation that ended in tragedy.
Investigators recovered a 9mm semi-automatic handgun at the scene, confirming reports that Pretti was armed. Slow-motion video circulating online appears to show Pretti reaching for the weapon as agents opened fire, a detail fueling the intense scrutiny of the incident.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, agents were conducting a targeted operation focused on an individual wanted for violent assault. As officers attempted to apprehend the suspect, Pretti approached with the handgun, prompting an attempt to disarm him. That attempt escalated into a violent struggle.
Fearing for their lives and the safety of fellow officers, an agent discharged their weapon. Despite immediate medical attention provided by on-site medics, Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities noted the suspect possessed two magazines and lacked identification, raising concerns about potential intent.
The shooting immediately ignited a political firestorm. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz swiftly condemned the actions of ICE agents, demanding an end to the operation and the removal of federal officers from the state.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey further amplified the outrage during a press conference, delivering a scathing rebuke of the agents involved. He described a scene of “six masked agents” and accused them of a reckless disregard for the community, demanding an end to what he termed an “invasion.”
The incident has left Minneapolis on edge, with questions swirling around the circumstances of the shooting and the role of federal law enforcement within the city. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities piece together the events of that fateful Saturday.
