ICE Denies Counting Bullet Wounds on Slain Nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis
The Department of Homeland Security has firmly denied allegations that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were seen counting bullet wounds on Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse who was shot multiple times during an immigration raid in Minneapolis. The incident, which occurred during protests against federal immigration actions, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Witness Account Contradicts Official Response
In a sworn declaration, a doctor who witnessed the scene described a disturbing lack of immediate medical aid. As I approached, I saw that the victim was lying on his side and was surrounded by several ICE agents, the doctor stated. I was confused as to why the victim was on his side, because that is not standard practice when a victim has been shot. Checking for a pulse and administering CPR is standard practice. Instead of doing either of those things, the ICE agents appeared to be counting his bullet wounds.
The doctor further recounted asking the agents if Pretti had a pulse, to which they responded they did not know. This testimony has been met with a strong rebuttal from DHS officials.
DHS Spokesman Claims Immediate Medical Aid Was Provided
A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security countered these claims, asserting that two Border Patrol agents, who are nationally certified emergency medical technicians, immediately delivered medical aid to the subject. Despite these efforts, Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene. The conflicting narratives have deepened the controversy surrounding the fatal shooting.
Video Evidence Suggests a Tragic Mishap
Newly revealed video footage from the scene indicates that Pretti may have been shot after an ICE agent accidentally discharged the nurse's own firearm. The video shows an agent backing away with Pretti's pistol, which then appears to fire, potentially triggering a contagious fire response among other officers.
This phenomenon, where police are 11 times more likely to shoot if they hear gunfire, mistaken or not, could explain the rapid escalation. However, verified social media videos confirm that Pretti never drew his weapon, and agents fired at him seconds after he was sprayed with a chemical irritant and thrown to the ground.
Community Outrage and Expert Analysis
Following the shooting, an angry crowd gathered, screaming profanities at federal officers and demanding they leave. Rob Doar, President of the Minnesota Gun Owners Law Centre, analysed the videos and concluded on social media that it's highly likely the first shot was a negligent discharge from the agent in the grey jacket after he removed the Sig P320 from Pretti's holster while exiting the scene.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, appealing for calm from both the public and federal law enforcement. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between immigration authorities and local communities, raising serious questions about protocol and accountability in high-stress situations.
