The official narrative surrounding the death of Alex Pretti crumbled on Wednesday morning, intensifying the crisis in Minneapolis. A leaked federal report regarding the Alex Pretti shooting investigation directly contradicts earlier claims made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The preliminary review, conducted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Professional Responsibility, indicates that the 37-year-old ICU nurse was not holding a weapon when agents fired. This revelation comes on a day of escalating violence, marked by a physical attack on Representative Ilhan Omar at a town hall meeting.
CBP Report Challenges “Assassin” Narrative
The leaked document, sent to Congress on Tuesday and made public Wednesday, offers a starkly different account than the administration’s initial statement. Federal officials had previously branded Pretti a “would-be assassin” who “brandished” a firearm. However, the internal review paints a picture of a chaotic and questionable use of force.
The report confirms that two federal agents fired their weapons during the encounter on January 24. Crucially, the document states that Pretti was not holding his firearm at the moment of the shooting. Instead, body-camera footage reviewed by investigators shows Pretti holding a cell phone.
According to the report’s timeline, an agent yelled “He’s got a gun!” approximately five seconds before opening fire. However, the video evidence suggests Pretti’s hands were empty or holding only the mobile device.
Furthermore, the report highlights a significant breach of protocol. Agents reportedly removed Pretti’s 9mm handgun from his waistband after he was shot. They then placed the weapon unsecured in a government vehicle. This failure to maintain a proper chain of custody could jeopardize the legal defense of the agents involved.
Legal experts warn that this report significantly undermines the government’s position. While Pretti possessed a valid permit to carry, the evidence suggests he posed no immediate lethal threat when agents killed him.
Rep. Ilhan Omar Attacked at Town Hall
As news of the report spread, the political atmosphere in the Twin Cities turned violent. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was attacked on Tuesday evening while hosting a town hall meeting in Minneapolis. The event was intended to address community concerns regarding the federal “Operation Metro Surge.”
Witnesses state that a man rushed the stage while the Congresswoman was speaking. The assailant shouted political slogans before spraying an unknown liquid substance directly at Omar. The liquid reportedly had a strong, vinegar-like odor.
Security personnel and Minneapolis police officers tackled the man immediately. Authorities took him into custody, though they have not yet released his name.
Rep. Omar refused to cancel the event. After a brief recess to clean up, she returned to the podium. She spoke for another 25 minutes, declaring that she “would not be intimidated” by political violence. This attack highlights the dangerous polarization gripping the city as the Alex Pretti shooting investigation continues.
Deportation of 5-Year-Old Blocked
The federal courts have also intervened in the ongoing crackdown. On Wednesday, a federal judge issued a temporary order blocking the deportation of a 5-year-old boy and his father. Agents had arrested the pair in a Minneapolis suburb earlier in the week.
The case garnered national attention after a photo of the child went viral. The image showed the boy wearing a Spider-Man backpack while being detained by tactical agents. The photo became a symbol of the aggressive tactics used during the federal surge.
The judge’s order prevents their removal from the United States until a full hearing can occur. Civil rights groups hailed the decision as a temporary victory against what they call indiscriminate enforcement.
State and Federal Leaders Meet
Amidst the turmoil, high-level diplomatic meetings took place on Tuesday. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey met separately with “Border Czar” Tom Homan.
The meeting between Governor Walz and Homan occurred in St. Paul. The two leaders hold diametrically opposing views on immigration enforcement. However, the Governor’s office described the conversation as a “productive starting point.”
Both sides tentatively agreed on three goals to de-escalate the situation. These include a reduction in the visible federal presence in Minneapolis and impartial investigations into recent shootings. Homan acknowledged the friction, stating that communication channels remain open despite the disagreements.
Internal Turmoil at DHS
The fallout from the Pretti case is causing strife within the Department of Homeland Security. Reports surfaced on Wednesday that Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino has been barred from using his official social media accounts.
Bovino had used the platforms to aggressively defend the shooting of Pretti. He also attacked local critics of the federal operation. His superiors reportedly took the action to lower the temperature of the rhetoric coming from federal leadership.
Calls for resignations are growing louder in Washington. Democratic leaders joined Minnesota officials in demanding the removal of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. They argue that her initial comments labeling Pretti a “terrorist” were reckless and proven false by her own agency’s report.
Protests and Vigils Continue
Minneapolis remains on edge as Wednesday progresses. Protests have continued for a fourth straight day near the shooting site on Nicollet Avenue. The release of the CBP report has energized demonstrators who insisted on Pretti’s innocence from the start.
Religious leaders are attempting to bridge the divide. The President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called for a “Holy Hour for peace.” He cited the current climate of fear as a sign of deep societal fracture.
As the Alex Pretti shooting investigation moves forward, the city faces a difficult path. The combination of conflicting narratives, political violence, and legal battles has created a perfect storm in the Twin Cities.
wfbnews.com will continue to provide live updates. We are tracking the arraignment of the man who attacked Rep. Omar and monitoring for further releases from the DHS Inspector General.
