Key Takeaways
- A U.S. citizen, Alex Pretti, was shot and killed by Homeland Security agents in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.
- This is the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minnesota this month, following the death of Renee Good on January 7.
- Pretti was shot after approaching U.S. Border Patrol officers with a phone, not a weapon, according to witness videos.
- The incident has sparked controversy, with many questioning the use of force by federal agents.
- An investigation is ongoing, and the incident is being reviewed by authorities.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic event unfolded in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, when a U.S. citizen, Alex Pretti, was shot and killed by Homeland Security agents. This incident marks the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minnesota this month, following the death of Renee Good on January 7. The shooting of Pretti has raised concerns about the use of force by federal agents and has sparked a widespread outcry. According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Pretti approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, but witness videos show him holding a phone, not a weapon.
The Shooting Incident
The incident occurred at 9:03 a.m. on January 24, when police received a report of a shooting involving federal law enforcement in the area of East 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that police arrived to find a man with multiple gunshot wounds, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Witness videos, which have been circulating on social media, show the events leading up to the shooting. In one video, Pretti can be seen holding up his phone, apparently filming an agent interacting with two women on the street. The video then shows an agent yelling at one of the women and approaching them, before Pretti steps in to intervene.
Timeline of the Shooting
A detailed timeline of the shooting has been pieced together from witness videos. At 0:10, Pretti can be seen holding up his phone, filming an agent interacting with two women. At 0:12, he steps into the street to wave a car past while continuing to film. The agent can be seen shoving one of the women, and Pretti attempts to lead her away. The situation escalates, with agents using chemical irritants and physical force against Pretti. At 1:00, an agent can be seen drawing his gun, and a shot rings out, followed by several more. The agents then back away and unload additional shots at Pretti as he lies on the ground.
Investigation and Controversy
The incident is being investigated by authorities, and the use of force by federal agents is being reviewed. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus has raised concerns about the shooting, with attorney and president Rob Doar stating that the firearm used by the federal agent appears to match the one displayed by the White House on social media. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the use of force by federal agents. As the investigation continues, more information is likely to come to light, and the incident is sure to remain a topic of controversy and debate.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The shooting of Alex Pretti is a tragic event that has raised important questions about the use of force by federal agents. As the investigation continues, it is essential to consider the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. The use of witness videos and other evidence will be crucial in determining what happened and whether the use of force was justified. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement, and the importance of protecting the rights and safety of all individuals. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to remain vigilant and ensure that justice is served.
