Alex Pretti, 37, ICU nurse, ID’d as man shot by federal officers in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Alex Jeffrey Pretti, the victim shot by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on Saturday, January 24, was identified by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) as one of its members.

Pretti, 37, worked as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Protesters were on the streets that day, and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies were also present.

His death marks the second fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by federal agents this month. Earlier in January, Renee Good, also 37, was shot and killed on January 7.

Immigration operation turns deadly in Minneapolis

Alex Pretti was shot early Saturday during an immigration enforcement operation. The operation was connected to Jose Huerta-Chuma, whom authorities said was an undocumented immigrant.

As per Fox News, Homeland Security officials said Pretti was armed with a 9mm handgun and “violently resisted” when Border Patrol agents tried to disarm him. Emergency medical personnel responded immediately, but Pretti was pronounced dead.

“At this time, many of the details remain unclear,” AFGE wrote in a statement. “Video of the incident is circulating on social media, and the Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that the victim was brandishing a weapon at officers. 

However, based on the video currently available, that claim is not clearly established.” AFGE said it is uncertain whether the Border Patrol agent who fired the fatal shots is a member of the union. “This is an unfolding and extremely serious matter,” AFGE leaders wrote in the statement.

“What we do know is this: a member of our union lost their life today, and that alone is devastating. Our hearts are heavy, and we are deeply stricken by this tragedy that has befallen one of our own. Until more information becomes available, I urge everyone to remain calm and encourage peace and restraint in all communications and actions.”

At about 9 am, DHS officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis when Pretti allegedly “approached” Border Patrol agents while armed. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Pretti “violently resisted” efforts to disarm him, which led the agent to fire what she described as “defensive shots.”

Trump blames Minnesota leaders after shooting

After the federal law enforcement operation resulted in Alex Pretti’s death, Trump spoke out. He framed the shooting as part of broader problems in the state, including what he described as large-scale financial misconduct.

Trump shared a photo of the firearm that authorities say was taken from the victim and wrote on Truth Social, “This is the gunman’s gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!) and ready to go.”

He continued, “What is that all about? Where are the local Police Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE officers? The Mayor and Governor called them off? It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves - Not an easy thing to do!” In his posts, Trump went further, accusing local leaders of using the situation to divert attention from what he called missing public funds and alleged fraud in Minnesota’s government.