Two Federal Agents Fired Weapons in Alex Pretti Shooting, New Government Report Reveals – RedState
Two federal agents discharged their weapons in the fatal shooting of Minneapolis intensive care unit nurse Alex Pretti, according to a government report sent to Congress Tuesday that provides the most comprehensive official timeline yet while raising new questions about initial characterizations of the incident.
The report from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, based on body camera footage and CBP documents, makes no mention of Pretti, 37, reaching for his legally owned 9mm handgun. This omission directly contradicts initial statements by Department of Homeland Security officials who described Pretti as approaching officers with a firearm on his person.
What the Congressional Report Reveals
According to the CBP document obtained by CBS News, the incident began around 9 a.m. Saturday when a CBP officer was “confronted by two civilians who were whistling” during Operation Metro Surge enforcement actions near the intersection of Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street in Minneapolis.
When the officer ordered the women to get off the road and they refused, he pushed them both away. One of the women ran toward Pretti, and when the officer attempted to get Pretti and the woman off the roadway, they did not comply. The officer then pepper sprayed both individuals.
“CBP personnel attempted to arrest Pretti,” the report states. “Pretti resisted the efforts of CBP personnel and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, a BPA yelled, ‘He has a gun!’ several times. »
Approximately five seconds later, a Border Patrol agent discharged his CBP-issued Glock 19 and a CBP officer also discharged his CBP-issued Glock 47 at Pretti. After the shooting, a Border Patrol agent indicated he was in possession of Pretti’s firearm and “subsequently cleaned and secured Pretti’s firearm in his vehicle.”
CBP personnel rendered medical aid around 9:02 a.m., placing chest seals on Pretti’s injuries. Minneapolis Fire Department paramedics arrived at 9:05 a.m. and transported Pretti to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:32 a.m.
What happened after the shooting
CBP personnel immediately began providing medical aid, cutting Pretti’s clothing and applying seals to the chest. Emergency medical technicians from the Minneapolis Fire Department arrived within minutes and took over treatment. Pretti was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead around 9:32 a.m.
An autopsy is being conducted by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office and CBP has requested official findings. The incident is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, and an internal review is underway by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General has also been notified.
CBP stressed that the information provided to Congress is based on a preliminary review of body-worn camera footage and internal documentation and may be updated as investigations continue.
Ongoing unrest in Minneapolis
The shootings took place during Operation Metro Surge, which DHS called “the largest immigration enforcement operation ever conducted.” The operation drew widespread criticism for warrantless arrests, aggressive clashes with protesters, detention of U.S. citizens and use of force.
Minnesota officials activated the National Guard at the request of local law enforcement and sued to limit federal operations in the state.
