The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s report confirms Alex Pretti, 37, died from multiple gunshot wounds classified as homicide on January 24, 2026, during protests in Minneapolis against heightened immigration enforcement.
Incident Details
Pretti was shot by federal agents amid a targeted operation against an undocumented individual wanted for violent assault. DHS states he approached Border Patrol officers with a 9mm handgun and resisted disarmament, prompting defensive shots. However, New York Times analysis of footage shows him standing with protesters, phone in hand, both hands visible, and pinned down after pepper spray deployment without drawing a weapon.
Prior Encounter
Eleven days earlier, video captured Pretti kicking a federal vehicle, leading to him being pushed to the ground by an agent. His family’s attorney, Steve Schleicher, argues this unrelated incident does not justify the fatal shooting.
Investigations
The DOJ Civil Rights Division launched a probe on January 30, alongside a separate DHS internal review. Minnesota state authorities have not ruled out charges against the agents involved.
