President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Tuesday regarding the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis nurse by federal agents. In a series of unexpected remarks on January 27, 2026, the President weighed in on the death of Alex Pretti. The 37-year-old intensive care nurse died during a confrontation with Border Patrol agents on Saturday. Trump’s comments sparked immediate debate as he criticized the victim for carrying a weapon while simultaneously distancing himself from the aggressive rhetoric used by his own senior aides. The President also promised a thorough and “honorable” investigation into the incident.
President Criticizes Carrying Weapons at Protests
During his address, President Trump focused heavily on the fact that Pretti was armed at the time of the protest. His stance surprised many political observers and gun rights advocates.
“He shouldn’t have been carrying a gun,” Trump stated firmly to reporters. He continued his assessment of the situation, remarking, “I don’t like that he had a gun.”
The President expanded on his view regarding firearms at demonstrations. He emphasized that individuals “can’t walk in with guns” to protest environments. This perspective suggests a belief that exercising Second Amendment rights should have limitations during civil unrest.
These Trump comments on Alex Pretti have drawn swift criticism from traditional allies. Second Amendment advocates expressed concern over the President’s stance. The National Rifle Association (NRA) faced inquiries regarding the comments, as Pretti was a legal gun owner. Authorities confirmed early in the investigation that Pretti possessed a valid permit to carry a firearm in Minnesota.
The friction between the President’s statement and the rights of lawful gun owners has added a complex layer to the political fallout. Usually, the administration defends the right to carry. In this specific instance, the President placed partial responsibility on the victim for exercising that right.
Trump Distances Administration from “Assassin” Claims
A significant portion of the President’s remarks involved correcting the narrative set by his own team. In the days following the shooting, high-ranking officials branded Pretti as a dangerous threat.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller had used strong language to describe the deceased nurse. They labeled him a “domestic terrorist” and a “would-be assassin.” These characterizations painted Pretti as an individual who went to the protest specifically to kill law enforcement officers.
On Tuesday, President Trump explicitly rejected these labels. He claimed ignorance regarding the specific comments made by Noem and Miller. Furthermore, he directly contradicted their assessment of the nurse’s intent.
“I don’t believe he was an assassin,” Trump stated.
This pivot undermines the initial justification provided by the Department of Homeland Security. It suggests a disconnect between the Oval Office and the agencies managing the federal operations in Minneapolis. By refusing to endorse the “assassin” narrative, Trump has opened the door for a more nuanced look at the events of January 24.
Video Evidence Contradicts Official Narrative
The President’s comments come as video evidence challenges the initial federal account. Originally, federal officials claimed that Pretti was “brandishing” a weapon. They asserted that he intended to “massacre law enforcement” before agents neutralized him.
However, bystander video tells a different story. Footage from the scene appears to show Pretti holding a cell phone, not a gun, in the moments leading up to the shooting.
Furthermore, the video reportedly shows a physical struggle. Agents appear to tackle Pretti and pepper-spray him. Crucially, the footage suggests that agents had already disarmed Pretti before the fatal shots were fired.
This visual evidence aligns more closely with the accounts of local witnesses than with the DHS press releases. President Trump acknowledged the tragedy of the event without doubling down on the claim that Pretti was an active shooter.
He referred to the killing as a “very sad situation” and a “very unfortunate incident.” These words mark a shift in tone from the aggressive defense usually mounted by the administration following officer-involved shootings.
Promise of an “Honorable” Investigation
Amidst the conflicting narratives, President Trump committed to a rigorous inquiry. He confirmed that a “big investigation” is currently underway.
The President pledged personal oversight of the process. He stated he would be “watching over it” to ensure the proceedings remain “honorable and honest.” This promise aims to quell the rising anger in Minneapolis and across the country.
The need for a transparent investigation is critical. The incident has intensified the standoff between federal and state officials. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been a vocal critic of the federal presence.
Governor Walz called the administration’s initial narrative “reprehensible.” He argues that the federal agents are operating with impunity and escalating violence in the city. The Governor supports the local police findings that Pretti was a lawful citizen exercising his rights.
The involvement of the President in the investigative process is unusual. Typically, independent agencies or the Department of Justice handle such reviews. Trump’s assertion that he will watch over the case suggests he understands the high political stakes involved.
Context of the Shooting
Alex Pretti was killed on January 24, 2026. The shooting occurred near the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. Pretti was participating in a protest against a surge in federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.
Pretti worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. He dedicated his career to caring for critically ill veterans. Friends and colleagues described him as a kind man who felt a deep sense of injustice regarding the federal operations.
His death was the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. The recurring violence has led to calls for federal agents to leave the city. Local leaders argue that the federal operations are doing more harm than good.
The Trump comments on Alex Pretti on Tuesday have ensured that this story remains at the forefront of the national conversation. The combination of gun rights debates, federal overreach allegations, and conflicting video evidence makes this a defining moment for the administration.
As the investigation proceeds, the public waits to see if the findings match the President’s call for honesty. The discrepancy between the “assassin” label and the video evidence remains the central tension in the case.
wfbnews.com will continue to monitor the fallout from the President’s remarks. We will provide updates on the investigation and the ongoing dispute between Minnesota officials and the White House.
