A newly released video shows Alex Pretti, the nurse fatally shot by federal immigration officers, confronting agents and kicking their vehicle 11 days before his death. The footage has sparked widespread debate, with Republicans using it to question his character while his family's attorney argues it doesn't justify his killing.
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was fatally shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis. Newly published video footage, confirmed by facial recognition and Pretti's family, shows him confronting federal agents on January 13, 11 days before his death. In the two-minute clip, Pretti is seen rushing toward a federal vehicle, yelling, kicking its taillight, and appearing to carry a gun in his waistband before being tackled by agents. During this altercation, agents reportedly fired tear gas and pepper balls. Pretti's family attorney stated he sustained a broken rib from an incident with federal officers around that time. The video has gone viral, with Republican commentators citing it as evidence that Pretti was not a peaceful protestor, a claim disputed by his family's attorney, who asserts the prior incident does not justify his killing. Pretti's death marks the third shooting by agents that month amidst the Trump administration's ongoing immigration crackdown in Minnesota. White House officials like Stephen Miller labeled Pretti a 'domestic terrorist' and accused him of 'brandishing' a weapon, while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called his death 'murder.' Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated Pretti was a U.S. citizen, licensed gun owner, with only previous traffic violations. Clips of the fatal encounter circulating online do not show Pretti approaching officers with a gun drawn, and witnesses claim agents did not provide medical aid. Pretti's family described him as compassionate and deeply opposed to the administration's immigration policies. The surge in immigration enforcement has caused political division, with local officials criticizing ICE tactics, while the White House defends its actions. President Trump has since signaled a desire to 'de-escalate' tensions in Minnesota. A recent poll indicates that while about half of American voters support deportations, 61 percent believe ICE's tactics have gone too far.
