Minneapolis Shooting: Victim’s Family and Witnesses Dismiss U.S. Administration’s Narrative

On Saturday, U.S. law enforcement officers fatally shot 37-year-old American citizen Alex Pretti, who was employed as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, a facility dedicated to serving veterans.

It marked the second fatal shooting this month involving federal agents in Minneapolis amid an intensified immigration crackdown implemented by the Trump administration.

Following the incident, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unveiled an image of a firearm. In a social media post, Trump asserted that this was “the gunman’s gun.”

According to allegations from the Department of Homeland Security, the individual in question was found to be in possession of two ammunition magazines and lacked any form of identification. Border Patrol agents reportedly attempted to disarm the man, who had approached them armed, and one agent discharged defensive shots when the man “violently resisted” arrest.

Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino asserted that the individual involved was attempting “to inflict maximum harm and attack law enforcement personnel.”

U.S. officials have characterized Pretti as a “domestic terrorist,” but have yet to present any supporting evidence for this designation.

Pretti’s parents have strongly condemned the statements made by the Trump administration, describing them as “sickening lies” concerning their son. They have dismissed the administration’s narrative regarding the events of the shooting.

In a statement, the family asserted that video evidence reveals their son was unarmed when apprehended by federal agents. They stated that Alex was holding his phone in one hand while using the other to protect a woman who was subjected to pepper spray.

In a statement, it was reported that Alex was not in possession of a firearm when confronted by agents from ICE, described in the statement as aggressive. Instead, Alex was holding a phone in his right hand, with his left hand raised in an attempt to shield a woman who had been shoved by ICE agents while he was subjected to pepper spray.

Pretti’s father informed The Associated Press that his son had joined demonstrations after the death of Renee Good, a mother of three, at the hands of a federal officer in Minneapolis on January 7.

He characterized his son as an individual who had a profound concern for others and expressed deep distress over the events unfolding in Minneapolis and across the United States in relation to ICE, sentiments shared by millions.

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith has issued a condemnation of federal agents following the death of a nurse in Minneapolis.

A witness to the shooting on Saturday, speaking anonymously, reported that Pretti was shot while attempting to assist a woman who had been pepper-sprayed. The witness emphasized that Pretti did not resist or make any move to reach for a weapon.

A witness has underlined discrepancies in the Department of Homeland Security’s account, asserting that the individual in question did not approach agents armed but rather with a camera. The statement suggests a significant difference in the nature of the encounter.

Witnesses reported that any physical contact was not observed. He appeared to be aiding the woman rather than resisting, with no weapon visible in his possession.

Dmitri Drekonja, a colleague of Pretti, expressed strong disapproval and anger towards the portrayal of Pretti by officials, stating that it is particularly distressing for those who are familiar with him.

Drekonja expressed confusion and concern over the act of labeling an individual without consulting people familiar with them. He remarked that such claims appear to be made without any substantial basis.