Widespread US Protests Follow Fatal Federal Shooting in Minneapolis
The United States is witnessing a surge of public outrage following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old American citizen Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. This incident marks the second such killing in the city in less than three weeks, sparking nationwide demonstrations and political backlash.
Family Statement Contradicts Official Narrative
Pretti's family released an emotional statement on Saturday evening, expressing both heartbreak and anger. They strongly refuted claims made by Donald Trump and his administration, who labelled Pretti as a "gunman" who had approached US border patrol officers.
The family's statement declared: "The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump's murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed." They concluded with a plea: "Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man."
Witness Testimony and Video Evidence Challenge Official Account
Two witnesses have provided sworn testimony stating that Pretti, who worked as an intensive care nurse, was not brandishing any weapon when he approached federal agents. One witness, who filmed the incident from directly behind Pretti, reported that federal agents tackled him after he attempted to assist someone they had pushed to the ground.
Footage from the scene appears to support these accounts, showing Pretti holding what looks like a mobile phone rather than a firearm at the moment he was tackled and shot.
Contradictory Official Statements from Federal Authorities
In the aftermath, the Department of Homeland Security released an image of a handgun, which Donald Trump referred to as "the gunman's gun" in a social media post. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated at a briefing that Pretti had "approached US border patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun."
Senior border patrol commander Greg Bovino added: "This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement." These statements stand in stark contrast to the evidence presented by witnesses and the family.
Key Developments in the Aftermath
The shooting has triggered several significant developments across legal, political, and social spheres:
- Minnesota federal judge Eric Tostrud has ordered federal agencies to preserve all evidence related to Pretti's death. This ruling responds to a lawsuit filed by Minnesota officials alleging federal obstruction of investigative efforts.
- Thousands of protesters have gathered in multiple cities including Minneapolis, New York City, San Francisco, Boston, and Providence, Rhode Island. Braving extreme cold conditions, demonstrators chanted slogans such as: "Say it once, say it twice, we will not put up with ICE!"
- Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer announced that his party would block a funding package next week if it included money for the DHS, the department overseeing ICE. The New York senator stated: "What's happening in Minnesota is appalling – and unacceptable in any American city. Democrats sought common sense reforms in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill, but because of Republicans' refusal to stand up to President Trump, the DHS bill is woefully inadequate to rein in the abuses of ICE. I will vote no."
The case continues to develop as investigations proceed and public pressure mounts for transparency and accountability regarding the circumstances of Pretti's death.
