UPDATE: Major new footage has just surfaced, revealing a heated confrontation between Alex Pretti and federal agents just days before his tragic death on January 24, 2023. The video, captured by The News Movement, shows the 37-year-old ICU nurse engaged in a volatile exchange with federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
This shocking footage, recorded on January 13, depicts Pretti shouting at agents, spitting, and kicking a vehicle used by them, breaking a taillight in the process. Eyewitnesses heard bystanders screaming “Stop! Stop!” as the situation escalated. The video shows federal agents deploying what appears to be gas or smoke towards the crowd as they attempt to subdue Pretti.
The altercation occurred at the intersection of East 36th Street and Park Avenue shortly after 10 a.m. The footage captures at least three agents struggling to keep Pretti down, but he manages to escape their grasp. A gun is seen tucked into his waistband, although he does not reach for it during the incident.
The footage adds urgency to the ongoing discussions surrounding federal agent conduct, especially given the rising number of fatal encounters. Following the incident, it was confirmed that the officers involved in Pretti’s fatal shooting have been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure according to the Department of Homeland Security. The agency emphasized that this action does not imply any wrongdoing.
A government report obtained by CBS News indicates that two U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents discharged their weapons during the encounter with Pretti. Notably, the report did not state that Pretti reached for his firearm, despite being a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry and having no criminal record.
The tragic death of Pretti has reignited protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, with many calling for accountability and reform. Activists have expressed their fears of federal agents’ aggressive tactics, particularly after the recent shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer earlier this month.
In light of these events, community leaders and activists are urging citizens to remain vigilant. “I know every time I leave my vehicle or leave my house… it could be any of us,” a local community advocate stated, highlighting the pervasive fear stemming from these encounters.
As Minneapolis grapples with the aftermath of Pretti’s death, more than a dozen individuals have reportedly been shot by federal agents since September, raising serious concerns about the use of force in immigration enforcement.
Authorities are expected to release more information surrounding the incident and ongoing investigations in the coming days. The community remains on high alert as further protests and conversations about immigration policies escalate.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
