A tense interview played out on CNN this Sunday regarding the recent shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Host Dana Bash pressed U.S. Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino for answers, specifically asking why videos seem to show Pretti holding a cell phone rather than a weapon before he was shot.
Bovino defended the agents involved, stating that Pretti brought a “loaded 9-millimeter high-capacity handgun” to the scene and made the choice to interfere with a police operation. “The suspect decided to inject himself into a law enforcement action,” Bovino said, insisting that Pretti was there to obstruct officers.
READ: Minnesota Gov. Walz Calls Feds Official Story “Nonsense” After Deadly Shooting
The conversation quickly turned into a debate over what the cameras actually captured.
Bash pointed out that multiple videos show Pretti filming the scene, which is legal, and appearing to help another person who had been pushed down. When Bash asked about photos that seem to contradict the official story, Bovino argued against judging the incident by pictures.
“Dana, let’s don’t freeze-frame adjudicate this now,” he said. He dismissed the images as “freeze-frame adjudication of a crime scene via a photo,” arguing that the full investigation would reveal the truth about the chaotic situation.
Bovino stated that officers on the scene shouted, “Gun, gun, gun,” which he says proves the weapon was visible and a threat at some point. When Bash asked why an “unarmed man” was shot if agents had already taken his gun—referencing a specific video clip—Bovino rejected the premise.
“We don’t need a suspect’s help in an active law enforcement scene,” he told Bash. He remained firm that the blame lay with Pretti for being there at all.
READ: Dem PAC Goes Dark After Getting Caught Fundraising Off Alex Pretti’s Death
“The victims are the Border Patrol agents,” Bovino said. “I’m not blaming the Border Patrol agents. The victims are the Border Patrol agents. The suspect put himself in that situation. The victims are the Border Patrol agents there.”
The discussion also touched on the rights of gun owners.
Bash noted that carrying a concealed weapon is legal in Minneapolis and asked if Pretti was shot for exercising his Second Amendment rights.
The Commander said he supports gun rights but argued they don’t apply when someone is obstructing law enforcement.
“Those rights don’t count when you riot and assault, delay, obstruct, and impede law enforcement officers,” he said.
By the end of the interview, Bovino confirmed that the agents involved are still employed but have been moved to administrative duties. Bash closed the segment by telling the Commander that the video evidence so far does not match the official story.
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