The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis ICU nurse, by federal agents has ignited widespread controversy. A new, preliminary report to Congress from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers a detailed, though still initial, account of the tragic encounter. This crucial document, obtained by major news outlets, confirms that two federal agents discharged their weapons during the struggle with Pretti. This finding directly contradicts earlier statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which initially claimed only one Border Patrol agent fired “defensive shots.” The ongoing investigation highlights significant concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and the integrity of evidence handling in high-stakes federal operations.
Unpacking the Incident: A Fateful Morning in Minneapolis
The events unfolded on a Saturday morning in Minneapolis as CBP agents were conducting “enforcement actions” as part of “Operation Metro Surge.” This initiative brings federal resources to urban areas, often raising questions about federal agents’ roles in local law enforcement. At approximately 9:00 a.m., a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) encountered two female civilians. They were reportedly blowing whistles in the roadway, obstructing the officers’ activities.
The CBPO ordered the women to move. When they did not comply, the officer pushed both women away from the roadway. One of the women then ran to Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen. The CBPO attempted to move both Pretti and the woman. When they again failed to comply, the officer deployed oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray towards them. This chemical irritant deployment escalated the confrontation significantly.
The Struggle and Fatal Shots
Following the OC spray, CBP personnel moved to take Pretti into custody. The report states that Pretti resisted their efforts, leading to a physical struggle. During this intense confrontation, a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) repeatedly shouted, “He’s got a gun!” This alarm set off a chain of events culminating in the fatal shooting.
Approximately five seconds after the shout, a BPA fired his CBP-issued Glock 19 handgun. Concurrently, a CBPO also discharged his CBP-issued Glock 47 at Pretti. The report, based on a review of body-worn camera footage and other agency documentation, does not explicitly state whether bullets from both federal officers struck Pretti. After the shooting, a BPA advised he had possession of Pretti’s firearm. The agent then cleared and secured Pretti’s firearm in his vehicle. Over ten minutes after being shot, Pretti was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at approximately 9:32 a.m.
Contradictions and Evolving Narratives
The CBP’s preliminary review has brought several critical inconsistencies to light. Most notably, the report unequivocally states that two federal agents fired their weapons, directly challenging initial public claims by DHS officials. Earlier, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem had alleged Pretti “approached” federal agents with a 9mm semi-automatic firearm, attempting to kill officers. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino even accused Pretti of trying to “massacre law enforcement.”
However, the comprehensive CBP report makes no claim that Pretti attempted to reach for his firearm during the struggle. This omission is significant. It undermines the initial official narrative that painted Pretti as an immediate threat attempting to use his weapon. Furthermore, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has confirmed that Alex Pretti was a lawful gun owner. He possessed a valid permit to carry a firearm. This fact further complicates the official justification for the federal agents’ use of deadly force. Existing videos of the incident appear to contradict these initial official claims, fueling public skepticism and demands for full transparency.
Scrutiny Over Evidence Handling
Beyond the immediate events, the investigation into Alex Pretti’s death has raised serious concerns about the handling of critical evidence. The CBP report confirms that Pretti’s firearm was removed from the scene immediately after the shooting. It was then stored in a government vehicle. CBS News previously reported a troubling lack of proper procedure in this crucial step.
Federal investigators reportedly have no documented chain of custody for the handgun. Officials stated it was placed on a vehicle seat rather than properly sealed in an evidence bag. It was also not logged with standard identifying details. This deviation from established protocol for securing evidence raises “broader concerns about the integrity of the investigation.” Such lapses can significantly impede efforts to establish a clear, unbiased account of the incident. They can also erode public trust in the investigative process.
Multiple Investigations Underway Amidst Public Outcry
The CBP report, conducted by the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), is a preliminary review. It provides an “initial outline” and serves as a “factual report” to inform Congress and promote transparency. CBP emphasizes that it does not convey “any definitive conclusion or investigative findings.” However, several other probes are ongoing.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is also probing the incident. This is described by current and former agency officials as “highly unusual” for an office that typically does not investigate use-of-force incidents. The DHS Inspector General has been notified, and Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is also conducting an independent inquiry. These multiple investigations underscore the complexity and gravity of the shooting.
The death of Alex Pretti has drawn “intense scrutiny” and “widespread outcry” from across the political spectrum. This incident marks the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis within the same month. This pattern of federal agent involvement in local use-of-force incidents has amplified calls for greater oversight and clear lines of accountability. Communities and civil rights advocates demand answers. They seek assurances that justice will be served and that similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the initial federal report reveal about the Alex Pretti shooting?
The preliminary report from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that two federal agents fired their weapons during the fatal encounter with Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The report details that a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) yelled “He’s got a gun!” multiple times before both a BPA and a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) discharged their agency-issued Glocks. Crucially, the report makes no claim that Pretti attempted to reach for his firearm, a point that contradicts earlier official statements from other Department of Homeland Security officials.
How has the official narrative of the Alex Pretti shooting changed since initial reports?
The official narrative has evolved significantly. Initial statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suggested only one Border Patrol agent fired “defensive shots.” However, the subsequent CBP report clarified that two federal agents fired their weapons. Furthermore, earlier allegations from DHS officials claimed Pretti tried to attack officers with a firearm. The detailed CBP report, however, omits any mention of Pretti reaching for his gun. This divergence has led to intense scrutiny of government transparency and the initial information provided to the public.
What concerns have been raised regarding the investigation into Alex Pretti’s death?
Significant concerns have been raised about the integrity of the investigation, particularly concerning evidence handling. The CBP report notes that Pretti’s firearm was removed and secured in a government vehicle immediately after the shooting. However, reports indicate a lack of proper documented chain of custody for the weapon. It was allegedly placed on a vehicle seat rather than properly sealed and logged. Additionally, the involvement of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in a use-of-force incident is considered unusual by many, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing probes.
Conclusion: Demand for Clarity and Accountability
The preliminary report into the Alex Pretti shooting has provided critical details, yet it has also amplified the questions surrounding the fatal incident. The confirmation that two federal agents fired their weapons, coupled with the absence of claims that Pretti reached for his firearm, directly challenges earlier official narratives. Furthermore, concerns regarding the handling of key evidence cast a shadow over the investigative process. As multiple agencies continue their probes, the demand for complete transparency, robust accountability, and a thorough understanding of the events that led to Alex Pretti’s death in Minneapolis remains paramount. This tragic event underscores the ongoing need for rigorous oversight of federal law enforcement actions and a commitment to justice for all involved.
