JD Vance calls chaos in Minneapolis ‘engineered’ after Alex Pretti shooting

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Vice President JD Vance blamed what he called “engineered chaos” in Minnesota following a fatal shooting involving a federal agent during an immigration enforcement operation over the weekend.

The remarks came after 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse who was protesting the operation while legally carrying a firearm, was shot dead by a US Border Patrol agent, triggering days of unrest and sharp political backlash. 

JD Vance blames far-left for Minneapolis shooting chaos

Vance accused “far-left agitators working with local authorities” of creating the conditions that led to the deadly confrontation between Pretti and federal agents.

“This level of engineered chaos is unique to Minneapolis,” Vance said in a post on X. “It is the direct consequence of far-left agitators, working with local authorities.”

The vice president’s comments followed the January 24 shooting, after authorities said Pretti attempted to intervene in a federal immigration enforcement action and resisted arrest while armed.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Pretti approached officers carrying a 9 mm pistol and two magazines and “violently resisted” as agents tried to disarm him, prompting one agent to open fire. 

Video footage disputes federal account of Minneapolis shooting

Eyewitness footage circulating locally appeared to show Pretti holding only his phone before he was pepper-sprayed and pinned to the ground, raising questions about the government’s description of events.

Pretti was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. State officials later confirmed he had a lawful permit to carry the firearm.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called on the Trump administration and the Department of Homeland Security to withdraw ICE and other federal officers from the state. Walz said on X that he spoke with the White House “after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning.”

"Minnesota has had it," Walz said. "This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now."

On January 26, Walz added: "Minnesota believes in law and order. We believe in peace," again urging Trump to pull “untrained agents” out of the state.

White House defends immigration operation

The administration rejected calls to remove federal officers, insisting enforcement efforts should continue.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X that the priority should be removing “dangerous criminal illegal aliens” rather than withdrawing law enforcement. “The Democrats have their priorities completely upside down. They will not keep the American people safe,” Leavitt wrote.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she grieved for Pretti’s family while defending federal operations and promising a full investigation.

“We can't have individuals that are impeding law enforcement operations and then showing up with guns and weapons and no ID and confronting law enforcement like that,” Noem said on Fox News. “It is one of the reasons that we see situations like this unfold.”

Flowers and candles were placed at a makeshift memorial near the site of Pretti’s death on January 25, as mourners gathered to honor the nurse.

Minnesota Democrats pushed back against the White House’s narrative, arguing that the federal operation escalated tensions and put residents at risk, including people not targeted by immigration enforcement.