Alex J. Pretti’s parents spoke out late Saturday, pushing back hard against the federal government’s description of how their 37-year-old son died after being shot by Border Patrol agents in south Minneapolis, as reported by a television station KARE 11.
In a statement shared with the station, Michael and Susan Pretti described their son as a devoted ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital — someone, they said, who cared deeply about family and friends and took pride in treating veterans. They said he wanted his life to matter and asked the public to help “get the truth out” about him.
The shooting took place around 9 a.m. near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. The police in Minneapolis have stated that Pretti is indeed an American citizen and that his gun ownership is legitimate.
However, the federal officials painted a very different picture. The Department of Homeland Security explained that Pretti was armed, using violent behavior, and that authorities believed that he was a threat.
But the version being debated most publicly is the one captured on cellphone video. The report said bystander footage appears to show Pretti stepping in after agents used an unknown chemical spray on a woman who looked to be filming them. Moments later, video shows agents forcing Pretti to the ground as they attempted to detain him. KARE 11 reported that the videos circulating do not clearly show Pretti holding a weapon during that encounter.
Pretti’s parents seized on that point. They said their son was not carrying a gun in those moments and claimed he had a phone in one hand while his other hand was raised. They also accused the Trump administration of spreading false claims about their son, language included in their statement to KARE 11.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the agents’ actions, saying the person involved interfered with an operation and assaulted officers, and that agents responded based on their training to protect themselves and the public. Asked directly whether Pretti was brandishing a weapon, the report said Noem did not give a clear answer.
The shooting has led to protests and vigils in Minneapolis. It also happens at the same time as a number of recent events involving federal law enforcement in the city. On Jan. 7, a different gunshot killed 37-year-old Renee Good. About a week later, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis was wounded in the leg.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
