Family of Man Shot Dead by Federal Agent in Minneapolis Ask for ‘Truth’ as Senator Calls for Investigation

In Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, federal law enforcement officers fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a respected intensive care unit nurse and U.S. citizen, igniting outrage, protests, and an expanding political controversy. Pretti’s family — and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle — are demanding answers as conflicting accounts emerge about what happened during the confrontation that ended his life.

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Who Was Alex Pretti?

Alex Pretti was a Minneapolis resident and an ICU nurse at the Veterans Affairs hospital, known by family and friends as a compassionate caregiver who dedicated his life to helping others. According to loved ones and eyewitnesses, he was not a threat on the morning of the shooting but rather involved in a situation that escalated far beyond what should have occurred.

Pretti had no significant criminal history and was a lawful gun owner, according to local police. Friends described him as a devoted professional and a gentle soul — far removed from the violent picture painted in some official narratives.

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What Happened During the Shooting?

Federal officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection claim that Pretti approached agents with a handgun and resisted efforts to disarm him, leading an officer to fire in self-defense. The DHS narrative suggests the situation occurred during a targeted operation related to immigration enforcement in south Minneapolis.

However, eyewitness video footage circulating online tells a different story: it shows Pretti holding only a cell phone when he was sprayed with irritants, tackled to the ground by multiple agents, and shot repeatedly in a matter of seconds. Family members and many protesters say this footage contradicts the federal account and shows he was not brandishing a weapon at the time of the shooting.

Local authorities also report that when Minnesota law enforcement tried to access the scene and investigate, federal agents blocked their efforts, deepening mistrust and tensions.

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Family Demands ‘Truth’ and Transparency

In a heartfelt statement, Pretti’s parents called for the truth about their son’s death to be shared with the public. They described the official narrative as “sickening lies” and emphasized that Pretti was a kind and peaceful individual who was clearly not holding a gun when federal agents attacked. The family maintains that he was trying to help a woman who had been pushed by officers moments before the shooting.

“Please get the truth out about our son,” the family implored, asserting that the administration’s version of events is reprehensible and must be corrected. Their demand has resonated with many advocates for police reform and civil rights, who see the case as part of a broader crisis over federal law enforcement tactics.

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Political Responses: Calls for Investigation Grow

The shooting has drawn responses from across the political spectrum, reflecting deep concern about federal enforcement practices and the need for accountability.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, broke with other members of his party to call the incident “incredibly disturbing,” urging a joint federal and state investigation into the shooting and stressing that the credibility of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security is at stake. “We can trust the American people with the truth,” he wrote on social media.

Meanwhile, numerous Democratic lawmakers have echoed these calls, with some demanding that federal immigration enforcement officers be withdrawn from Minneapolis entirely. Proposals include independent investigations, disciplinary action against involved agents, and a broad review of DHS use-of-force policies.

Local leaders have also weighed in: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has criticized the federal government’s handling of the incident and vowed a state-led investigation, calling federal claims “nonsense” and insisting the state justice system must take the lead.

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Public Reaction and Protests

The death of Pretti has sparked significant protest activity in Minneapolis, with hundreds gathering in freezing temperatures to mark his life and demand accountability. The demonstration reflects broader frustration with the presence of federal immigration agents in the city, particularly after a recent fatal shooting of Renee Good, another Minneapolis resident killed earlier in January by a separate federal officer.

Protesters have clashed with law enforcement, and tensions remain high as community members call for an end to what they describe as heavy-handed enforcement tactics that undermine public safety and civil liberties.

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Broader Implications

The shooting and subsequent reactions highlight a growing national debate over federal law enforcement authority, civil rights, and immigration policy. Trust between local communities and federal agencies is strained, and many voices — from Pretti’s grieving family to national politicians — are demanding clarity and justice. As investigations continue, the case is likely to fuel discussions about how and when federal agents should be deployed, the transparency of official accounts, and mechanisms to ensure accountability in use-of-force incidents.

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Conclusion

The death of Alex Pretti has become a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about law enforcement, transparency, and accountability in the United States. With conflicting narratives, deep public distrust, and growing calls for answers from Pretti’s family and elected officials, the demand for the truth is at the heart of this tragic event. As investigations unfold, the nation watches — and waits — for clarity on what really happened that day in Minneapolis.