News|ExplainerWho was Alex Pretti, the nurse shot dead by federal agents in Minneapolis?Two witnesses said in court filings that the victim did not brandish a gun, refuting claims by the Trump administration.

On Sat, Jan 24, 2026, federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, were involved in a shooting incident resulting in the death of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old American citizen. The Department of Homeland Security described the incident as an act of self-defense by a Border Patrol agent who claimed Pretti approached with a handgun and resisted disarmament efforts.

According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Pretti attacked federal agents during the confrontation. An image of the gun allegedly carried by Pretti was released by federal officials. Customs and Border Protection commander Gregory Bovino and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller characterized Pretti as intending to harm law enforcement.

However, witness accounts and bystander videos suggest that Pretti was not armed and was using his mobile phone. Videos show Pretti intervening between federal agents and protesters, subsequently being pepper-sprayed, restrained, and ultimately shot by the agents.

Two witnesses provided sworn statements to the US District Court of Minnesota, asserting that Pretti did not brandish a weapon. The Minneapolis police chief confirmed Pretti's status as a lawful gun owner without a criminal record beyond traffic violations.

Pretti was a healthcare professional employed as an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis. Family members described him as compassionate, committed to patient care, and opposed to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. He participated in protests against these policies and was reportedly upset by the immigration raids.

Pretti held a bachelor's degree in biology, society, and the environment from the University of Minnesota and later became a registered nurse. His family has expressed dissatisfaction with the administration's narrative surrounding the incident.

The American Federation of Government Employees and the American Nurses Association have expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation. The incident is part of a larger tension amid federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, the largest such operation conducted, involving approximately 3,000 agents. This has led to clashes between activists and federal agents, affecting local communities and businesses.

The incident marks the sixth fatality during ICE enforcement activities nationwide since the previous year. The operation's implications have been significant, with notable impacts on the community dynamics in Minneapolis.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.