Alex Jeffrey Pretti Shooting: Minneapolis Nurse Killed by Border Patrol
The Alex Jeffrey Pretti shooting has plunged Minneapolis into a state of mourning and political turmoil following a deadly confrontation on Saturday morning, January 24, 2026. Federal Border Patrol agents fatally shot the 37-year-old intensive care unit (ICU) nurse during a protest against immigration enforcement. The incident occurred near the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. The death of Pretti, a healthcare professional who cared for veterans, has intensified an already volatile standoff between local Minnesota officials and the federal government.
Fatal Encounter on Nicollet Avenue
The events leading to the Alex Jeffrey Pretti shooting began around 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Pretti had joined a group of demonstrators gathering to protest a recent surge in federal immigration enforcement operations within the city. The atmosphere was tense but reportedly non-violent prior to the altercation.
Witnesses state that federal agents engaged Pretti near the intersection. Bystander video footage circulating online appears to show a chaotic struggle. The video reportedly captures agents wrestling Pretti to the ground. During the scuffle, agents deployed pepper spray against him.
Moments later, gunshots rang out. Agents fired multiple times, striking Pretti. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Pretti succumbed to his injuries. The rapid escalation from a protest environment to lethal force has drawn immediate scrutiny from the community.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
A sharp divide exists regarding the justification for the use of lethal force. Federal and local officials have presented vastly different narratives regarding the Alex Jeffrey Pretti shooting.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a strong statement defending the agents’ actions. Federal officials claimed that Pretti was armed with a 9mm handgun at the time of the altercation. They alleged that he “violently resisted” efforts to disarm him. Furthermore, some federal sources went as far as to suggest Pretti intended to “massacre law enforcement,” painting him as an immediate and deadly threat to public safety.
However, local authorities dispute this characterization. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara and Governor Tim Walz provided a different perspective. They confirmed that Pretti was a “lawful gun owner” who possessed a valid permit to carry a firearm.
Governor Walz emphasized that mere possession of a legal firearm does not justify a shooting. Additionally, analysis of bystander video by local news outlets raises questions about the federal account. The footage reportedly shows Pretti holding a cell phone, not a gun, in his hand during the moments immediately preceding the shots. This discrepancy has become the focal point of the investigation.
A Life Dedicated to Care
Friends and colleagues are struggling to reconcile the federal description of Pretti with the man they knew. Alex Jeffrey Pretti worked as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. He spent his professional life caring for critically ill veterans.
Pretti was a 2006 graduate of Preble High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He later attended the University of Minnesota, where he pursued his nursing career. Those who knew him best described him as “gentle” and “kindhearted.”
Outside of the hospital, Pretti was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed cycling and spending time in nature. Friends painted a picture of a compassionate individual who felt a deep sense of injustice regarding social issues.
His activism was not new. Pretti had participated in previous social justice movements, including the demonstrations following the death of George Floyd in 2020. Associates noted that he was deeply upset by the recent presence of federal agents in his neighborhood. They stated his motivation for attending the protest was to voice opposition to policies he believed were harmful to his community.
Escalating Tensions in Minneapolis
The Alex Jeffrey Pretti shooting is not an isolated incident. It marks the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis this month. This pattern has created a severe rift between city leadership and federal agencies.
Just weeks earlier, on January 7, 2026, agents shot and killed Renee Good. That incident had already placed the city on edge. The death of Pretti has now pushed tensions to a breaking point.
Local leaders have openly criticized the federal presence. Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Walz have called for a reduction in federal operations within the city limits. They argue that the aggressive tactics employed by Border Patrol agents are destabilizing the community.
Conversely, federal officials maintain that their presence is necessary to enforce immigration laws. They argue that local non-cooperation policies necessitate a stronger federal footprint. This jurisdictional tug-of-war has left residents caught in the middle.
Calls for Transparency and Justice
The investigation into the Alex Jeffrey Pretti shooting faces significant hurdles. Jurisdiction issues complicate the inquiry. Typically, a local police department or a state bureau of investigation handles officer-involved shootings. However, the involvement of federal agents adds legal complexity.
Civil rights groups are demanding the immediate release of all unedited body-camera footage. Transparency is critical to determining the truth behind the conflicting narratives. The public wants to know if Pretti ever brandished a weapon or if the object in his hand was indeed a cell phone.
Protests have grown in size since Saturday morning. Demonstrators have gathered outside federal buildings and the site of the shooting. They are chanting Pretti’s name and demanding accountability.
The Minneapolis Police Department is conducting its own review of the evidence. Chief O’Hara promised a thorough fact-finding mission. He urged the public to remain patient but acknowledged the community’s anger.
Meanwhile, the DHS Office of Inspector General will likely launch an internal review. These investigations can take months to conclude. For the family of Alex Pretti, the wait for answers adds to the tragedy.
Community Mourns a Loss
Vigils began on Saturday night near the intersection of 26th and Nicollet. Residents placed flowers, candles, and signs at the site where Pretti died. The loss of a healthcare worker who served veterans has resonated deeply across the city.
Colleagues at the VA hospital expressed shock. They remembered Pretti as a dedicated nurse who saved lives. The contrast between his life as a healer and his violent death is stark.
As the investigation proceeds, the spotlight remains on Minneapolis. The nation is watching how the city and the federal government navigate this crisis. The outcome of this case will likely have lasting implications for federal operations in major U.S. cities.
wfbnews.com will continue to provide updates. We will monitor the release of evidence and official statements regarding the Alex Jeffrey Pretti shooting.
