UPDATE: Shocking new footage has surfaced showing a heated altercation between ICU nurse Alex Pretti and federal agents just days before he was fatally shot in Minneapolis. The incident, which occurred on January 13, 2023, has ignited outrage as the community grapples with the implications of his death.
The video, captured by The News Movement, depicts the 37-year-old Pretti engaged in a fierce confrontation with Border Patrol Agents. In the footage, he is seen yelling, spitting, and kicking the tail light of an agent’s vehicle. The incident escalates as agents tackle him to the ground, prompting bystanders to scream, “Stop! Stop!” while agents deploy gas or smoke toward the crowd.
Witnesses reported that the confrontation began shortly after 10 a.m. at the intersection of East 36th Street and Park Avenue. Pretti, who was later confirmed to be the individual in the video, was seen trying to break free from the agents, even as a firearm was visible tucked in his waistband. However, he never reached for the weapon during the altercation.
The footage raises critical questions about the circumstances leading up to Pretti’s death, which occurred on January 24, when he was shot at least 10 times by federal agents. Reports indicate that he was holding a phone in his right hand moments before the shooting, with no visible threat posed to the agents.
The Department of Homeland Security has placed the officers involved on administrative leave, a standard procedure following such incidents. Officials assert that this move “should not be viewed as any suspicion of wrongdoing.” A government report obtained by CBS News confirms that two agents from US Customs and Border Protection fired their weapons during the encounter, yet did not specify whether Pretti reached for his firearm.
This tragic event has spurred further protests against federal immigration actions, echoing the community’s grief over the recent shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent. Activist Carlson shared her fears, stating, “I know every time I leave my vehicle… it could be any of us,” reflecting the heightened anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement operations.
As Minneapolis seeks answers, the broader implications of this incident are sending shockwaves through communities already on edge over federal immigration policies. More than a dozen individuals have been shot by federal agents since September, raising alarms about the use of lethal force in immigration enforcement.
WHAT’S NEXT: The community is calling for accountability as investigations into Pretti’s death continue. Eyewitness accounts and video evidence will likely play a crucial role in determining the events leading up to this fatal encounter. As the situation develops, more protests are expected, amplifying the demand for transparency and reform in federal law enforcement practices.
This latest footage is not only a pivotal piece of evidence but also a stark reminder of the human impact behind immigration policies. As revelations unfold, the call for justice for Alex Pretti grows louder.
