News|Donald TrumpTrump administration, MAGA allies spread misinformation on Pretti killingVideo footage of fatal shooting contradicts narrative spun by officials and right-wing influencers.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was involved in an incident in Minneapolis where he allegedly approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. According to DHS, agents…
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was involved in an incident in Minneapolis where he allegedly approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. According to DHS, agents attempted to disarm Pretti, who resisted. Video evidence, however, suggests that Pretti's firearm had been confiscated prior to him being shot.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit and had no significant criminal history. Despite this, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and others suggested Pretti resisted arrest violently. The narrative presented by officials has been contested by various sources, including video analysis and statements from local law enforcement.
Controversy has arisen regarding the interpretation of Pretti's actions and the subsequent response by federal agents. The National Rifle Association and some Republican officials, such as Representative Thomas Massie, have criticized the implication that carrying a firearm could justify lethal force.
Video evidence, however, suggests that Pretti's firearm had been confiscated prior to him being shot.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension stated that its officers were obstructed by DHS from accessing the crime scene, suggesting a lack of cooperation between state and federal agencies in the investigation.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.