At a Glance
- Alex Pretti was the man shot by federal officers on Jan. 24.
- The 37-year-old ICU nurse had only parking-ticket encounters with police.
- The incident drew 200 protesters and sparked video-based debate.
- Why it matters: The event highlights tensions between local and federal law enforcement in Minneapolis.
The Minneapolis shooting that unfolded on Jan. 24 has just been fully identified. 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti was the man shot and killed by federal officers, a fact confirmed by his parents and corroborated by the Associated Press. The incident, involving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has sparked intense debate about federal presence in local jurisdictions.
Who Was Alex Pretti?
Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old nurse who worked in the intensive care unit at a Minneapolis hospital. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, Pretti’s only prior interaction with law enforcement involved parking tickets, and he was a lawful gun owner with a permit. The Minnesota Star Tribune confirmed his identity based on information from two anonymous sources familiar with the case.
The DHS Operation
At about 9:00 a.m. local time on Jan. 24, DHS law-enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault. DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin told reporters that the suspect, now identified as Pretti, approached U.S. Border Patrol officers while armed with a handgun and violently resisted as they attempted to disarm him. She said an agent fired defensive shots.
> “The suspect also had 2 magazines and no ID,” McLaughlin said.
Medics on the scene delivered medical aid immediately, but Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Protest and Police Response
Within minutes of the shooting, 200 protesters gathered near the scene, according to the Associated Press. Confrontations erupted between federal law-enforcement officers and local residents. At a press conference the same day, Chief O’Hara noted that preliminary details suggested more than one law-enforcement officer was involved in the discharge. He also pointed to a public video that shows several officers in a scuffle with a suspect.
> “The video speaks for itself,” O’Hara said.
The video has fueled debate over the conduct of federal officers and the extent of their authority in a city with a history of tension between local and federal agencies.
Key Facts in a Timeline
| Date & Time | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 24, 9:00 a.m. | DHS officers conduct targeted operation | DHS statement |
| Jan. 24, 9:00 a.m. | Pretti approaches officers, resists disarmament | DHS statement |
| Jan. 24, 9:00 a.m. | Officer fires defensive shots | DHS statement |
| Jan. 24, 9:00 a.m. | Medics render aid; Pretti pronounced dead | DHS statement |
| Jan. 24, later | At least 200 protesters gather; confrontations ensue | AP report |
| Jan. 24, later | O’Hara press conference: multiple officers involved, video cited | AP report |
Broader Implications
The shooting underscores ongoing disputes over jurisdiction and the use of force by federal agents in local contexts. Minneapolis has a long history of friction with federal agencies, and this incident adds a new chapter to that narrative. The presence of a video showing officers in a scuffle has intensified calls for transparency and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Alex Pretti was identified as the man shot by DHS officers on Jan. 24.
- He was a 37-year-old ICU nurse with only parking-ticket interactions with police.
- The incident involved a targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault.
- 200 protesters gathered, leading to confrontations.
- The case highlights jurisdictional tensions between Minneapolis police and federal agencies.
The full story continues to develop as investigations proceed and more details emerge.
