Expert Review Group: Legal Analysts and Civil Rights Watchdogs
Abstract:
This report details the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse and protester, by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. Pretti, a U.S. citizen with no prior criminal record, was reportedly participating in ongoing demonstrations against the current administration's immigration policies. Official information from the Department of Homeland Security alleges Pretti "approached" officers with a 9 mm handgun, although the visibility and actions regarding the weapon remain unconfirmed by officials and are not apparent in bystander video. The deceased's family confirmed Pretti's opposition to immigration crackdowns and revealed their difficulty in obtaining official confirmation of his death. The narrative provides key biographical data, context regarding his protest history, and conflicting information regarding his possession of the firearm at the time of the incident.
Key Findings on the Fatal Shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti
Incident Summary (Jan 24, 2026): Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis.
Victim Background: Pretti was a U.S. citizen, an intensive care nurse at a VA hospital, and held no criminal record beyond traffic tickets. He was identified as a Democratic voter who cared deeply about societal injustice and environmental issues.
Context of Death: Pretti was protesting the current administration's immigration crackdown and had participated in recent demonstrations following the death of Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE officer on Jan 7.
Parental Warnings: Approximately two weeks prior to the incident, Pretti’s Colorado parents urged him to protest but warned him "not engage, do not do anything stupid."
DHS Official Account: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated Pretti was shot after he "approached" Border Patrol officers while possessing a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun.
Disputed Weapon Account: DHS officials did not specify if Pretti brandished the weapon. Furthermore, the handgun was not visible in bystander video of the shooting obtained by The Associated Press.
Firearm Ownership Confirmation: Family and his ex-wife confirmed Pretti owned a handgun and held a concealed carry permit (obtained three years prior) but maintained they had never known him to carry it regularly.
Information Breakdown: Pretti's family was initially notified of the shooting by an AP reporter. They reported significant difficulty obtaining information from Minneapolis police, Border Patrol (which was closed), and local hospitals, eventually receiving confirmation from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
Prior Protest Activity: Pretti's ex-wife stated he had participated in the 2020 George Floyd protests, often livestreaming events, and described him as someone who might shout at law enforcement but was not known to be physically confrontational.
Character References: Neighbors described Pretti as quiet, warmhearted, and helpful, expressing surprise at the idea he might carry a pistol on the streets.