Federal investigation into Alex Pretti shooting

Developing StoryLast updated MAR 10
SUMMARY

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem refused on March 3, 2026, to retract her statement labeling Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by federal agents on January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis, as a "domestic terrorist." As of March 3, 2026: A federal criminal investigation is underway into two immigration officers, Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez, for allegedly lying under oath regarding Pretti's shooting, with video evidence indicating untruthful statements. Minnesota state investigators, including the BCA, have been repeatedly denied access to evidence by the FBI, leading to a lawsuit filed by the state against the federal government to obtain this evidence. Dozens were arrested on March 1, 2026, during protests outside the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, and Governor Tim Walz activated the National Guard on January 24, 2026, the day Pretti was fatally shot.

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2026

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem refused to retract her statement labeling Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by federal agents on January 24, 2026, as a "domestic terrorist." Noem stated she was relying on information from federal law enforcement, despite criticism that bystander video and local accounts contradict the DHS narrative.

via nbcnews.com

Dozens were arrested on March 1, 2026, during a protest outside the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, related to ongoing demonstrations concerning the shooting death of Alex Pretti. Governor Tim Walz had activated the National Guard on January 24, 2026, the day Pretti was fatally shot by a federal agent during a struggle.

via Bring Me The News

Minnesota senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar have urged the U.S. Attorney General to grant state investigators access to evidence in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. The state of Minnesota has also filed a lawsuit against the federal government to obtain this evidence. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters marched to mark four weeks since Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents.

via Star Tribune·mprnews.org

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) stated on February 16, 2026, that the FBI is once again preventing state investigators from accessing information and evidence related to the January 24, 2026, shooting death of Alex Pretti. The BCA expressed concern over this lack of cooperation and reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough and independent investigation.

via Star Tribune·13wmaz.com

Federal authorities have launched a criminal investigation into two immigration officers for allegedly lying under oath regarding the shooting of Alex Pretti. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons stated that video evidence indicated untruthful statements were made by the officers. This probe was initiated in conjunction with the Justice Department.

via AP News·Star Tribune

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is collaborating with the FBI and the Department of Justice to conduct a joint investigation into the shooting death of Alex Pretti. While the investigation plans are not yet finalized, the BCA has expressed its intent to cooperate with the FBI.

via startribune.com

The investigation into the death of Alex Pretti, shot by federal agents on January 24, 2026, is facing challenges as the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has been denied access to evidence by the FBI. The BCA intends to cooperate with the FBI, but requests for evidence access have been unmet.

via dps.mn.gov

Federal authorities have stated there will be no joint investigation into the shooting death of Alex Pretti, marking the third federal shooting where state investigators will not have access to evidence. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, accusing him of encouraging hostility towards federal law enforcement. Minneapolis police confirmed Pretti had a permit to carry.

via cbsnews.com

The two federal immigration agents who fired on Alex Pretti have been identified as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez. They were assigned to Operation Metro Surge.

via propublica.org

The FBI has taken the lead in the federal investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents on January 24, 2026, a reversal from earlier in the week when Homeland Security Investigations had been leading. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara stated that "people have had enough" following the shooting, expressing concern over conflicting accounts. Bystander videos reviewed by CBS News show Pretti holding a cellphone, not a gun, before the shooting.

via startribune.com

The U.S. Deputy Attorney General announced on January 30, 2026, that the Justice Department has opened a federal civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by immigration officers on January 24, 2026. The Civil Rights Division will conduct the investigation, interviewing witnesses and examining evidence.

via youtube.com·kare11.com

The FBI is now leading the federal investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, with Homeland Security Investigations providing support. This comes after Minnesota officials took unusual legal steps to assert their right to investigate the incident due to alleged obstruction from federal authorities. The shooting involved two U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

via Axios

The FBI has assumed leadership of the federal investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, with support from Homeland Security Investigations. The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division has also launched a separate federal civil rights probe into the incident. In response to the shooting, the Minnesota National Guard has been deployed to Minneapolis to support local law enforcement and ensure a secure environment for peaceful protest.

via CBS News·NPR·KARE11

Hundreds of people gathered in Milwaukee to protest the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal officers, an incident noted as the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by immigration agents in Minnesota within the month.

via wpr.org

Federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti have been placed on administrative leave, with two agents confirmed to have been on leave since Saturday.

via cbsnews.com·pbs.org

The incident began when U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents confronted two women, and Alex Pretti became involved in the situation.

via cbsnews.com

A preliminary government review, based on body-camera footage and agency documentation, contradicts the initial narrative provided by the Trump administration regarding Alex Pretti's death. Additionally, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino has been relieved of his command.

via npr.org·cbsnews.com

A report details that a Border Patrol agent repeatedly yelled 'He's got a gun!' during a struggle before Alex Pretti was killed. After the shooting, an agent secured Pretti's firearm from the scene, and CBP personnel provided medical aid.

via startribune.com

Bystander videos of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis reportedly show Pretti holding a cellphone, not a gun, contradicting the official self-defense claim. The videos also suggest a federal agent removed a gun from Pretti's waistband after he was on the ground.

via CBS News

A government report to Congress revealed that U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel removed Alex Pretti's personal belongings from the scene after he was fatally shot.

via cbsnews.com

A preliminary government report sent to Congress reveals that two U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents fired their weapons during the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, and the report does not state that Pretti reached for his firearm.

via cbsnews.com

Video evidence reportedly shows an agent disarmed Alex Pretti just before fatal shots were fired, and officials confirmed Pretti had a legal permit for his weapon. The Minnesota National Guard was activated by the Governor, and state and local investigators have filed a lawsuit.

via wrkf.org·apnews.com

Federal and state officials in Minneapolis have presented conflicting narratives regarding the immigration crackdown and the shooting incident. Video evidence from the incident is currently being reviewed.

via apnews.com

Some Republicans have joined Democrats in calling for a full and urgent investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis.

via time.com

Protesters clashed with federal agents outside a Minneapolis hotel, leading to multiple arrests. An ICE special agent was allegedly tackled and bitten by a protester, resulting in a permanent injury.

via police1.com

Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and some agents are expected to depart Minneapolis soon following de-escalation efforts between President Trump and Governor Walz. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security stated it possesses body-cam footage of the Alex Pretti shooting, though it is uncertain if this evidence will be shared with state and local investigators.

via cbsnews.com·startribune.com

The FBI will lead the investigation into Alex Pretti's fatal shooting, and a federal judge ordered the Department of Homeland Security to preserve all related evidence. Governor Walz and President Trump also had a "productive" call about the incident.

via cbsnews.com

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activated the National Guard on January 24, 2026, to support local law enforcement following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent during a struggle. The FBI has since taken the lead in the federal investigation into the incident, with Homeland Security Investigations providing support.

via newsnationnow.com·startribune.com·startribune.com

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara stated that "people have had enough" following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents on January 24, 2026. This incident marks the third shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis within three weeks, with the Chief expressing concern over their tactics.

via CBS News·Star Tribune·startribune.com

A U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, on January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. Video evidence of the incident shows federal agents wrestling Pretti to the ground before he was shot, and differing accounts have emerged regarding the events. The FBI has taken the lead in the federal investigation, with the Department of Homeland Security's investigative arm providing support, and the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division also participating. Hundreds of protesters marched on February 21, 2026, to mark four weeks since the shooting, highlighting ongoing anger and calls for accountability.

via The Washington Post·Star Tribune·MPR News

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activated the state's National Guard following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent. Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was identified as the man killed on January 24, 2026. Contradictory accounts have emerged regarding the incident, with the Department of Homeland Security claiming self-defense while bystander videos suggest Pretti was holding a cellphone and his firearm was holstered. The two agents involved have been identified as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and CBP officer Raymundo Gutierrez.

via NewsNation·CBS News·Star Tribune·ProPublica

Democrats and protesters are demanding that federal immigration officers leave Minnesota after a US Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The Minnesota National Guard is assisting local authorities.

via liberties.aljazeera.com·michiganpublic.org·thejournal.ie

Vigils and protests have erupted in Minneapolis and other US cities following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, with videos appearing to contradict authorities' claims. The mayor plans to seek a temporary restraining order.

via wpr.org·nepm.org

Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard on January 24, 2026, after a federal agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, 37, in Minneapolis. While the Department of Homeland Security claims the agent acted in self-defense, bystander videos and witnesses suggest Pretti was holding a phone and directing traffic, not a gun. Federal agents deployed tear gas and flash bangs during the incident.

via bringmethenews.com·youtube.com

Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard on January 24, 2026, following a fatal shooting by a federal agent in Minneapolis. Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem stated on January 26, 2026, that Alex Pretti attacked Border Patrol officers before being fatally shot. Protests escalated following the incident, with approximately a thousand people marching through downtown Minneapolis.

via Star Tribune

Federal agents used chemical munitions, including tear gas and flash-bang grenades, against protesters gathered near the scene of Alex Pretti's fatal shooting on January 24, 2026. Protesters were heard chanting "ICE Out" and questioning the agents' actions, with reporters on the scene experiencing pepper spray after being pushed by federal agents.

via startribune.com

Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard on January 24, 2026, for crowd control following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a federal agent. The Minnesota Attorney General filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the destruction of evidence related to the incident.

via bringmethenews.com·mprnews.org·mprnews.org

Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard on January 24, 2026, after a federal agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, in south Minneapolis. Videos show federal agents wrestling Pretti before he was shot, and state and federal officials have offered conflicting accounts of the incident. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating and has collected evidence, but has been denied access to evidence by the FBI.

via bringmethenews.com·The Washington Post·Star Tribune

Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard on January 24, 2026, to manage crowd control at the Whipple Federal Building following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a federal agent. Early in the investigation, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration not to destroy or alter evidence related to the shooting, as state investigators were initially denied access to the crime scene. Protests demanding accountability and the removal of federal immigration agents have continued for four weeks.

via bringmethenews.com·startribune.com·mprnews.org

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents on January 24, 2026, during a protest in Minneapolis. Bystander videos suggest Pretti was filming law enforcement and directing traffic before being pepper-sprayed and shot, contradicting official statements that he approached agents with a weapon. In response to the incident, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activated the state's National Guard to support local law enforcement.

via Government Executive·YouTube·MPR News·CBS News

Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard following a fatal shooting by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in south Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. The National Guard's assistance was requested by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office to manage crowd control during protests that followed the incident. This event marks the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by immigration agents in Minnesota within the month.

via bringmethenews.com·youtube.com·washingtonpost.com·mprnews.org·en.wikipedia.org

Senator Tina Smith stated that federal agents beat and shot Alex Pretti. Pretti was shot a mile from where an ICE officer killed Renee Good on January 7, and the Minnesota National Guard is assisting local police. Federal officers were conducting a targeted operation against a different man who was undocumented and wanted for assault.

via michiganpublic.org·thejournal.ie·kpbs.org

The man killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis was identified as Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse. His father stated that Alex was concerned about immigration crackdowns and participated in protests against ICE actions.

via pbs.org·pbs.org

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) announced that federal agents denied them access to the shooting scene despite a judge's signed search warrant, hindering the state's independent investigation.

via theguardian.com·foxnews.com·kut.org·cbsnews.com

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara stated that Pretti was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, had no prior criminal record, and that local authorities were given very limited information about the incident.

via theguardian.com·foxnews.com·kut.org·cbsnews.com

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement claiming Pretti approached agents with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and 'violently resisted' when officers attempted to disarm him, leading an agent to fire 'defensive shots.'

via theguardian.com·foxnews.com·kut.org·cbsnews.com

Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard, deploying troops to both the shooting site and a federal building where protests were ongoing. Walz condemned the federal operations as an 'absolute abomination' and a 'campaign of organized brutality.'

via theguardian.com·foxnews.com·kut.org·cbsnews.com

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey formally requested Governor Tim Walz activate the Minnesota National Guard to assist local law enforcement amidst growing protests and escalating tensions.

via theguardian.com·foxnews.com·kut.org·cbsnews.com

The Minnesota National Guard was mobilized on January 24, 2026, amid clashes between anti-ICE protesters and federal officers following the shooting death of Alex Pretti. The two federal agents involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave on January 24, 2026, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

via Star Tribune·PBS NewsHour·Star Tribune

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celia, a Venezuelan national, was shot in the leg by immigration officers during an altercation, marking the second shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis in January.

via theguardian.com·foxnews.com·kut.org·cbsnews.com

An ICE agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good in south Minneapolis during a federal immigration enforcement operation, sparking initial tensions and leading Governor Tim Walz to prepare the National Guard for potential deployment.

via theguardian.com·foxnews.com·kut.org·cbsnews.com

Story began · 1 month ago