A city already tense over immigration enforcement erupted again after the shocking death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting by a Border Patrol agent have raised questions about law enforcement practices, evidence handling, and the safety of firearms used in civilian and official hands.
Pretti, who legally carried a Sig Sauer P320 9mm pistol, was shot during a confrontation in Minneapolis while he reportedly tried to intervene in a federal operation targeting a woman.
What has emerged since the incident has only deepened the controversy.
A Gun with a Troubled History
The handgun Pretti carried is not just any firearm.
The Sig Sauer P320 he owned has a documented history of unintentional discharges.
Experts and lawyers have raised concerns that this particular model can fire “uncommanded,” making it potentially dangerous even in the hands of licensed owners.
Pretti’s P320 AXG Combat variant is a high-end model, equipped with three 21-round magazines and retailing for over $1,300.
While widely used by both civilians and law enforcement, more than 100 complaints of accidental firing have been reported against this model.
The Scene That Sparked the Shooting
Bystander videos and official statements reveal a tense sequence of events on the morning of the shooting.
Pretti was seen standing in the street, holding up his phone, while officers attempted to carry out an immigration enforcement action.
A verbal and physical scuffle ensued as federal agents tried to move protesters aside.
At one point, an officer pushed Pretti, causing him to stumble, and deployed pepper spray.
Seconds later, he and several other federal officers wrestled Pretti to the ground.
Amid the chaos, someone shouted “gun, gun,” though it remains unclear whether this referred to Pretti’s pistol or an agent’s weapon.
Conflicting Accounts of the First Shot
Videos do not clearly show who fired the first shot.
However, some gun experts suggest that Pretti’s Sig Sauer may have discharged accidentally, prompting a federal agent to return fire.
Rob Dobar, a lawyer for the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, wrote that it is “highly likely the first shot was a negligent discharge” after an agent tried to remove Pretti’s gun from its holster.
Federal officials maintain that agents fired defensively after Pretti allegedly resisted and approached them with a firearm, though they have not confirmed whether Pretti brandished or fired his weapon.
Legal Battle Over Evidence
The fallout from Pretti’s death quickly moved into the courts.
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the Trump administration from destroying or altering any evidence from the scene.
The injunction covers materials already taken into federal custody and came after state authorities sued DHS, ICE, and Border Patrol for alleged tampering.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison emphasized that federal agents are not above the law and called for a “full, impartial, and transparent investigation.”
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty echoed this, pledging to pursue transparency and accountability in the investigation.
Officials’ Reactions and Controversy
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem described Pretti as having “impeded a law enforcement operation” but did not clarify whether he drew his weapon.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit.
Federal officials said the Border Patrol officer who shot Pretti is an eight-year veteran with extensive training in less-lethal force and range safety.
Gregory Bovino, who commands the agency’s big-city operations, framed the incident as part of broader attacks on law enforcement personnel across the country.
The Larger Context of Minneapolis Protests
The shooting occurred near the site where ICE officers had killed Renee Good earlier in January, an event that sparked widespread protests.
Video evidence shows Pretti moving between officers and other protesters, often with his hands raised, trying to protect others amid a chaotic scene filled with pepper spray, shoving, and shouting.
Family Speaks Out
Pretti’s family released a statement expressing heartbreak and anger.
They described him as a compassionate nurse who “wanted to make a difference in the world.”
They strongly rejected the administration’s portrayal of their son, insisting that he was not holding a gun when attacked.
“Alex has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down,” they said.
“Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man.”
What Comes Next
The investigation into Pretti’s death is ongoing, with both federal and state authorities now involved.
A hearing for the temporary restraining order is scheduled, and public scrutiny remains high.
The case highlights not only the deadly risks of confrontations involving firearms but also the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, public protest, and accountability in law enforcement.
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