A federal agent shot and killed a 37-year-old nurse in Minneapolis on Saturday morning, sparking a dispute between state and federal officials over what exactly happened.
The shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti took place during an ongoing surge of immigration enforcement in the city. This marks the second time in less than three weeks that a federal agent has fatally shot someone in Minneapolis.
There are conflicting reports about the moments leading up to the shooting. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the agent acted in self-defense.
They claim the agent fired only after attempting to stop Pretti from disarming them.
READ: “Victim” Or “Suspect”? Border Patrol Chief And CNN Host Clash Over Deadly Minnesota Shooting
However, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz disputed that account. After reviewing video footage of the incident, Walz described the federal explanation as “nonsense.”
Videos from the scene appear to show Pretti holding a cellphone in his right hand, rather than a weapon, while his left hand looks empty.
In the footage, a federal agent in a gray jacket is seen reaching into a struggle empty-handed. The agent then emerges holding a gun and turns away from Pretti as the first shot is fired. The agent is then seen running across the street as more shots are heard.
Following the shooting, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension attempted to investigate the scene. State officials said that despite having a signed search warrant from a judge, DHS representatives blocked them from accessing the area.
On Sunday morning, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that state investigators were finally able to return to the scene to look for witnesses and evidence.
U.S. District Court Judge Eric Tostrud has since granted a temporary restraining order against the DHS. This order prevents the department from altering or destroying any evidence connected to Pretti’s death.
READ: “Murdering American Citizens”: Democrats Risk Shutdown Over DHS Funding Fight
State officials confirmed that Pretti, who worked at the Minneapolis VA hospital, was a lawful gun owner with no criminal record. His family released a statement describing him as a “kindhearted soul” and rejected the administration’s version of events.
In response to the violence, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said his office will go to court on Monday to argue for an end to the immigration enforcement surge. The City of Minneapolis is also filing documents hoping a judge will pause the federal operation.
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