A 37-year-old Minneapolis resident and U.S. citizen, identified as ICU nurse Alex Pretti, was fatally shot by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a DHS operation on January 24, 2026.
Incident Summary
Around 9 a.m. at 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue, agents targeted an undocumented individual wanted for assault when Pretti allegedly approached armed with a 9mm handgun, two magazines, and no ID. DHS reported he violently resisted disarmament efforts, prompting defensive shots—video shows a scuffle with multiple officers before 10 rounds fired in five seconds. He received on-site aid but died at Hennepin County Medical Center; MPD Chief Brian O’Hara noted Pretti’s clean record beyond parking tickets and valid carry permit.
Conflicting Accounts
DHS emphasized the armed threat, releasing a SIG Sauer image, while O’Hara referenced video contradicting full details and confirmed multiple officers discharged weapons. This marks Minneapolis’s third federal shooting in January 2026, after Renee Good’s death.
Protests and Reactions
Over 200 protesters confronted agents, blocking streets and chanting against ICE; reports cite an officer mocking the crowd with “boo hoo,” detentions, batons, and flash bangs. Gov. Tim Walz demanded Trump withdraw “untrained” forces; Mayor Frey decried the “invasion” toll on citizens.
