Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was fatally shot by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a law enforcement operation in Minneapolis amid protests or riots targeting a “violent illegal alien.” He sustained at least 10 gunshot wounds in about five seconds while pinned to the sidewalk. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated he approached agents with a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun, violently resisted disarming, prompting defensive shots.
Key Claims by Gregory Bovino
In a CNN State of the Union interview with Dana Bash on January 25, 2026, U.S. Border Patrol commander-at-large Gregory Bovino defended the agents:
- Called agents the “victims,” arguing Pretti “put himself in that situation” by injecting into a targeted operation with a weapon.
- Described chaotic, violent scenes where individuals, including Pretti, bring loaded guns to riots.
- Insisted Pretti remained a threat post-de-escalation, actively impeding and assaulting officers, even if disarmed.
- Noted an ongoing investigation would clarify video discrepancies, confirming Pretti brought a high-capacity handgun.
Bovino urged following law enforcement directions and avoiding such scenes.
Contrasting Evidence from Footage
Verified New York Times video shows:
- Pretti standing among protesters, holding only a phone as agents used pepper spray.
- Agents approaching, pinning him, and unholstering his gun before shooting him in the back.
- No visible brandishing of the weapon by Pretti.
Bash highlighted this during the interview, but Bovino maintained the full context, including Pretti’s armed arrival and resistance, awaits investigation.
Broader Context and Implications
This occurred during heightened Border Patrol activity in Minneapolis, possibly linked to immigration enforcement riots. Bovino framed it as part of chaotic urban operations where armed civilians complicate matters. Public debate centers on use-of-force justification: DHS emphasizes resistance and armament; critics point to video suggesting over-escalation against a non-threatening protester. An independent probe could reveal bodycam details, timelines, or agent training protocols.
No official updates beyond the interview as of January 26, 2026. For real-time developments, check DHS statements or local Minneapolis news like the Star Tribune.
