Doctor testifies ICE agents counted bullet holes in Alex Pretti’s body instead of providing aid

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Court filings tied to the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti have revealed troubling testimony from a physician who witnessed the incident and described a failure by federal agents to provide emergency medical care.

In a sworn affidavit submitted as part of a civil rights lawsuit, the doctor said ICE agents did not check Pretti’s pulse or attempt CPR after he was shot multiple times in Minneapolis on January 24. Instead, the physician stated the agents appeared to focus on counting bullet wounds as Pretti lay unresponsive.

Physician recounts moments after ICE shooting of Alex Pretti

The affidavit was filed in support of a lawsuit brought by the ACLU against the Department of Homeland Security and senior federal officials. The pediatrician, whose name was redacted in court documents, said they were inside their apartment when they heard a commotion outside involving Pretti and ICE agents. 

According to the physician, Pretti was yelling during the encounter but did not physically attack the agents or threaten them with a weapon. The affidavit states that an ICE agent suddenly shoved Pretti to the ground.

Although the doctor’s view was partially blocked, they reported seeing at least four ICE agents draw their firearms and shoot Pretti “at least six or seven times.” After the gunfire stopped, the physician ran outside in an attempt to render aid but was initially prevented from reaching Pretti by federal agents at the scene.

Doctor says agents failed to provide lifesaving care

The physician testified that none of the agents appeared to be checking for a pulse or administering CPR, which they described as basic and expected care for a shooting victim. Instead, the agents “appeared to be counting his bullet wounds,” according to the affidavit.

When the doctor asked whether Pretti had a pulse, the agents allegedly responded that they did not know because they had not checked. The physician then observed multiple gunshot wounds, including at least three in Pretti's back, one in his upper chest, and another possible wound near his neck.

After determining there was no pulse, the doctor began chest compressions and continued until emergency medical services arrived. The affidavit states that by the time paramedics reached the scene, Pretti had already died from his injuries.

Lawsuit challenges DHS narrative of Minneapolis shooting 

The affidavit also described the aftermath of the shooting as tense and chaotic. The physician said the situation escalated quickly, prompting them to retreat to their apartment. They later fled the building after ICE agents tear gas into the surrounding crowd, with gas reportedly entering residential units.

The doctor wrote that the incident left them feeling unsafe in their own city. Their testimony is part of a civil rights complaint filed against DHS, its secretary Kristi Noem, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, and other officials.

Federal authorities have defended the agents’ actions, with DHS and Border Patrol officials claiming Pretti intended to cause mass harm to law enforcement. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino acknowledged during a press conference that the investigation remained ongoing but did not confirm whether Pretti had pointed a weapon at agents.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara later confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner. The physician concluded their affidavit by expressing fear that federal enforcement actions had grown increasingly dangerous, stating they worried that bystanders or protesters could be fatally harmed simply for voicing opposition or observing ICE operations.