The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is under scrutiny following the January 24 shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis. Initial statements from administration officials lack supporting evidence and seem contradicted by available video footage.
Multiple analyses of the videos cast doubt on the official narrative that Pretti approached the officers brandishing a handgun and violently resisted them. Instead, evidence suggests he may have been holding his phone to record the incident just before the altercation began.
It’s important to note that this investigation is ongoing. More details, especially regarding events leading up to the shooting, could emerge. DHS confirmed that body-camera video from the federal agents exists, but it has yet to be released to the public.
Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was reportedly lawfully carrying a handgun, supported by Minnesota law requiring permits for public carry. The Minneapolis Police Chief confirmed Pretti had such a permit. However, confusion remains about when the officers became aware of Pretti’s weapon and whether he ever threatened them with it.
Eyewitness accounts and further video analyses reveal glaring inconsistencies with the DHS statements. For instance, a former acting DHS undersecretary, John Cohen, noted that the footage doesn’t support claims that Pretti posed a direct threat to law enforcement. He emphasized, “What the videos depict is that this guy did not walk up to anybody from CBP in a threatening manner.” This sentiment was echoed in reports by major news outlets that analyzed the footage. These findings suggest Pretti was subdued by officers before any warning about his gun was issued.
On social media, reactions varied widely. Supporters and critics of the administration voiced strong opinions. Some, including President Trump and various officials, labeled Pretti as a “gunman” and pointed to the presence of a loaded weapon. Others, however, argued against the interpretation of events, calling for further investigation and clarity on what really happened in the moments leading up to the shooting.
Notably, a video reviewed by CNN seemed to show officers approaching Pretti rather than the other way around, indicating a chaotic situation that escalated quickly. The reports show that within seconds of the struggle, officers yelled about the presence of a gun, suggesting they may not have known Pretti was armed until they were already engaged with him.
In light of what is known, it’s crucial to continue gathering evidence and reassessing official claims as the investigation unfolds. The situation exemplifies the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement actions, especially when lethal force is involved.
