MINNEAPOLIS – The Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive review of law enforcement protocols following the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal agents in Minneapolis within weeks. The latest incident occurred Saturday when Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive-care nurse, during an altercation that has generated conflicting accounts between federal and local authorities.
Federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, assert that Pretti was ‘brandishing’ a firearm, justifying the use of lethal force. However, Minneapolis officials and video evidence analyzed by The New York Times suggest Pretti was holding a mobile phone rather than a weapon when agents opened fire. The Times’ forensic analysis indicates no visual evidence of Pretti drawing a weapon before being pinned on the sidewalk.
Pretti’s family confirmed he legally owned a handgun with a concealed carry permit, though they stated he was not known to carry it regularly. Minnesota law permits public carrying of firearms with proper authorization, adding complexity to the jurisdictional dispute.
The incident has exposed deepening tensions between state and federal enforcement agencies. President Trump acknowledged the conflict following a conversation with Governor Tim Walz, noting they were ‘on a similar wavelength’ regarding resolution strategies. In response, the administration announced the reassignment of Customs and Border Patrol leadership from Minnesota, with veteran official Tom Homan appointed to oversee operations.
This shooting follows the January 7th death of Renee Good, another Minneapolis resident fatally shot by immigration agents during an attempted departure from a scene. The back-to-back incidents have intensified scrutiny of federal law enforcement tactics and intergovernmental coordination in immigration enforcement operations.
