Minnesota authorities have deployed the National Guard following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man by an ICE agent. The Mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, requested Guard troops to assist local police after protester Alex Pretti was killed near Nicollet Avenue during a clash with federal officers. Pretti, an intensive care nurse who protested against Donald Trump’s immigration policies, was confirmed as the victim by family members.
The Minnesota National Guard was dispatched to both the shooting location and a federal building where confrontations between officers and demonstrators were ongoing. Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that there is limited information on the events leading up to the shooting, but indicated that Pretti was a licensed gun owner.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, stated that federal officers fired “defensive shots” at Pretti, who allegedly approached them with a handgun and resisted disarmament. Witness videos of the incident do not show Pretti visibly armed. The shooting occurred close to where another fatal shooting by an ICE officer took place earlier, leading to public outrage.
Pretti’s family expressed devastation and anger in a statement, describing him as a compassionate individual dedicated to making a positive impact through his nursing profession. They refuted claims made by the administration, asserting that Pretti was not holding a gun during the altercation but was trying to protect others while being attacked by ICE officers.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem mentioned that Pretti interfered with a law enforcement operation but did not provide specifics regarding his actions towards the officers. The ICE agent involved in the shooting is reported to be an experienced Border Patrol veteran.
Following the incident, President Donald Trump criticized Governor Walz and Mayor Frey on social media, questioning the lack of local police involvement and accusing them of inciting unrest through their statements. He shared an image of the recovered gun mentioned by ICE officials.
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