Federal Agents Fatally Shoot Minneapolis ICU Nurse Alex Pretti – New Video Footage Sparks Outrage and Demands for Accountability
By: Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com Published: January 25, 2026 MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — In the latest escalation of tensions surrounding federal
By: Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com
Published: January 25, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — In the latest escalation of tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement operations in the city, a U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at a local veterans’ hospital, on Saturday morning, January 24, 2026. The incident, which occurred in south Minneapolis, marks the second deadly shooting involving federal agents in the city this month and has ignited widespread protests, calls for independent investigation, and sharp criticism from state officials, community leaders, and Pretti’s colleagues.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), agents were conducting an operation related to immigration enforcement when they encountered Pretti, who was reportedly armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun for which he held a valid permit to carry. DHS officials stated that Pretti posed an immediate threat, prompting the use of lethal force. However, multiple eyewitness videos that have surfaced online paint a starkly different picture, showing what appears to be one federal officer disarming Pretti before another agent opens fire.
CNN’s analysis of bystander and body-worn camera footage suggests that Pretti was relieved of his weapon by one agent moments before a second agent fired multiple rounds—reports from local sources indicate at least nine shots were fired. Stabilized versions of the videos circulating on social media platforms, including Reddit and X, appear to show Pretti holding a phone rather than a firearm in one angle, as he attempted to assist others amid a chaotic scene tied to ongoing protests against federal immigration raids.
Pretti, described by friends, family, and coworkers as a dedicated healthcare professional and avid outdoorsman, worked tirelessly in the ICU at a VA-affiliated hospital, caring for critically ill veterans. Colleagues remembered him as compassionate, skilled, and deeply committed to saving lives—ironically, the very opposite of the circumstances that ended his own. “Alex spent his days stabilizing people in crisis,” one fellow nurse told reporters outside the hospital. “He didn’t deserve this. They didn’t need to kill my friend.”
The shooting took place less than three weeks after another fatal encounter in Minneapolis involving an ICE agent and 37-year-old Renee Good, which had already heightened community anger over perceived heavy-handed federal tactics. Saturday’s incident unfolded around 9 a.m. local time, prompting immediate street closures, a heavy law-enforcement presence, and spontaneous demonstrations that continued into the evening. Protesters gathered near the scene, chanting “Justice for Alex” and holding signs demanding transparency from DHS.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and several state lawmakers condemned the shooting and called for a full, independent probe. “This is the second Minnesotan killed by federal agents in a matter of weeks,” Walz said in a statement. “We need answers, not excuses. Minnesota families deserve truth and accountability.” U.S. Senator Tina Smith echoed the sentiment, urging the Department of Justice to launch an immediate civil rights investigation.
The Pretti family, through a brief statement released via community advocates, expressed profound grief and a demand for justice: “We want the truth. Alex was a healer, a patriot, and a gun owner who followed the law. Video shows he was disarmed—why was he still shot? We ask for calm but insist on accountability.”
DHS and the Trump administration have defended the agents’ actions, with officials emphasizing the dangers faced during enforcement operations. President Trump addressed the incident briefly, stating that federal officers “must be able to protect themselves and do their jobs.” A federal judge in Minnesota has already granted a temporary restraining order against certain DHS activities in the state amid growing legal challenges.
Community response has been swift and emotional. Vigil gatherings planned for Sunday evening are expected to draw hundreds, with grief counselors from local hospitals and veterans’ organizations on hand to support attendees. Online fundraising efforts for Pretti’s family have raised thousands within hours, while hashtags like #JusticeForAlexPretti and #MinneapolisShooting trend nationally.
As investigations continue—led jointly by federal authorities and local law enforcement under intense public scrutiny—the city of Minneapolis once again finds itself at the center of a national debate over policing, immigration enforcement, federal overreach, and the use of deadly force. For many here, the loss of Alex Pretti—a man who devoted his life to saving others—feels like a profound betrayal.
Juba Global News Network will continue to follow developments, including any release of official body-camera footage, autopsy results, and statements from involved agencies. Readers are encouraged to stay informed and engage respectfully as this story unfolds.
This is a developing story. Updates will be posted as new information becomes available.
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