Democratic officials reacted with shock and outrage after federal agents in Minneapolis fatally shot 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti. Video circulating online shows a struggle before the man was shot multiple times; authorities have said a CBP agent was involved and recovered a weapon. Prominent Democrats demanded accountability and criticized federal tactics, while Republicans blamed local leaders and defended the operation. The incident has sharpened partisan debate over federal immigration enforcement and local cooperation, and official inquiries are expected.
‘Appalled and Enraged’: Democrats Condemn Fatal Minneapolis Shooting by Federal Agents
People leave signs, flowers and candles at a site where Alex Pretti was fatally shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters(Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)
A wave of Democratic elected officials expressed shock and outrage after federal law enforcement officers in Minneapolis fatally shot a civilian identified as 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti. The incident, which has been widely circulated in video clips, has deepened partisan debate over federal immigration enforcement and local cooperation in the city.
What Happened
Officials and multiple published videos show the man being wrestled to the ground before he was shot multiple times by a federal agent. Department officials said the agent involved was from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), not U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Authorities also said a weapon was recovered from the scene.
Democratic Reactions
Rep. Ilhan Omar, whose district includes parts of Minneapolis, posted on X that Pretti’s death "appears to be an execution by immigration enforcement" and said she was "absolutely heartbroken, horrified, and appalled that federal agents murdered another member of our community."
Sen. Elizabeth Warren called the shooting "horrific" and urged Congress to stop what she called the chaos of federal immigration operations in Minnesota. Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted Pretti’s work as an intensive care nurse and said video footage shows his last acts were aimed at protecting his community, describing herself as "enraged and heartbroken."
Other Democrats — including Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Sen. Adam Schiff — blamed aggressive federal rhetoric and policies for creating a dangerous environment and demanded accountability for those who ordered or carried out the operation. Minnesota state Sen. Omar Fateh, representing the downtown area where the shooting occurred, called it "a flat out execution" and said agents must be held accountable.
Republican Responses
Former President Donald Trump posted an image of the weapon authorities say was recovered and questioned why local police did not intervene to protect federal officers. He also criticized Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
Stephen Miller, a former Trump adviser, responded to social-media posts by calling the incident an assassination attempt on federal law enforcement; multiple videos circulating online do not corroborate that characterization and instead show a struggle preceding the shooting.
Former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaking on Fox News, criticized Minneapolis’ designation as a sanctuary jurisdiction and defended federal enforcement actions as necessary to protect citizens.
Official Accountability And Claims
Democratic lawmakers called for investigations and, in some cases, for the removal or impeachment of officials they said were responsible for creating the conditions that led to the shooting. Critics on the right blamed local leaders for limiting cooperation with federal agents and argued the operation was a response to dangerous conditions.
Note: Public video footage has been central to how the event has been interpreted. While some commentators described the shooting as a premeditated execution, available clips primarily show a physical struggle immediately before the shots were fired. Official investigations and agency statements remain ongoing.
The episode has intensified a national conversation about federal immigration enforcement, the role of agencies such as CBP and ICE, and how local and federal authorities should coordinate public-safety operations. Investigations and official reviews are expected to follow as lawmakers demand answers and accountability.
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