© EPA/CRAIG LASSIG The released footage raises concerns regarding the official narrative.
The individual fatally shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis has been recognized as Alex Pretty, age 37, an intensive care registered nurse who dedicated numerous years to caring for American veterans, as stated by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, according to The Washington Post.
He affirmed that Pretty was a U.S. citizen and was employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system.
“I empathize with the profound sorrow and outrage felt by numerous Minnesotans due to the tragic loss of one of our citizens — Alex Pretty, an intensive care nurse who served veterans — who suffered a deadly wound during an operation conducted by federal officials,” Ellison declared.
Dr. Asma Shuakat, Pretty’s former superior, who once recruited him at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center situated in Minneapolis, depicted him as “one of the most brilliant and compassionate individuals.”
“Alex was the most gentle, kind, composed individual one could envision. His aspiration was to serve veterans, whom he perceived as a susceptible group in need of assistance,” Shuakat expressed.
As per her account, Pretty demonstrated no interest in political matters, but consistently “advocated for human rights and assisting others.”
“He was enthusiastic about his prospects, his occupation; he intended to purchase a residence, an automobile. The demands of intensive care work are significant, yet he managed and committed himself to his patients,” she included.
When discussing the video documenting the shooting, Shuakat characterized it as “appalling.”
“The federal officers resemble a highly trained paramilitary unit. Their behavior suggests they possess authorization to do whatever they desire. Given my knowledge of Alex, I am quite confident he was endeavoring to safeguard or support someone,” she conveyed.
pretty.jpg (110 KB)
What is the federal services’ perspective?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security conveyed that the event transpired during a “focused operation” aimed at detaining an individual who had entered the country without legal authorization. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the department, stated that officers were confronted by a man wielding a 9mm handgun who purportedly resisted disarmament efforts.
“Fearing for his safety and the well-being of his associates, the officer discharged his weapon in self-preservation,” McLaughlin communicated.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem communicated during a news conference that Pretty appeared to “hinder the execution of law enforcement activities.” She emphasized that he was armed, though she omitted details regarding whether Pretty brandished the weapon or threatened the officers with it.
Federal representatives stated that the officer responsible for the shooting is a seasoned Border Patrol agent with eight years of experience.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara stated that Pretty was a lawful firearms owner and possessed a license to carry a weapon. He conveyed that the deceased’s sole documented interaction with law enforcement involved a traffic citation.
In a video circulated on social media platforms, demonstrators can be discerned sounding whistles and directing offensive language at officers along Nicollet Avenue. The footage also presents Pretty holding a mobile phone; however, no firearm is noticeable.
Incensed Americans are broadly disseminating a video across social networks that substantiates that Alex Jeffrey Pretty, a Minnesota resident fatally shot by ICE agents, was disarmed prior to being shot, thereby posing no threat to the lives of ICE officials. One of the videos depicts an agent, dressed in a gray coat and baseball cap, seizing his firearm and then departing while his colleagues shoot the individual.
🇺🇸🤦♂️ Two different angles seemingly showing an ICE officer disarming the 37 yo before he was shot & killed in the morning shooting in Minneapolis.
The agent in the gray jacket & baseball cap can be seen removing the firearm and then walking away as his colleagues shoot the man. pic.twitter.com/nT2e4qSe36— Roberto (@UniqueMongolia) January 24, 2026
pretty1.jpg (50 KB)
Demonstrations and conflicts
Hundreds of demonstrators assembled in the vicinity following the shooting. Attendees vocalized slogans such as “Murderers out of town,” “Return home,” and accused federal agents of employing excessive force. Some demonstrations escalated into violence, with demonstrators igniting a refuse container and federal agents resorting to batons, tear gas, and stun grenades.
This event constituted the third shooting incident involving federal immigration officers in Minneapolis in recent weeks. Previously, on January 7, an ICE agent fatally shot local resident Renee Goode, precipitating widespread demonstrations. On January 14, a Venezuelan migrant sustained a leg wound during an apprehension.
Disagreement between the state and the White House
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz voiced strong disapproval of the federal government and urged Donald Trump to withdraw immigration enforcement divisions from the state.
“This is unacceptable. The DHS’s depiction of the occurrences is absurd. Fortunately, video evidence exists. The American populace perceives the reality, and that ought to suffice,” Walz remarked.
He further reported that state investigators encountered obstruction from federal agents while attempting to inspect the site of the shooting, despite possessing a court-issued warrant.
In contrast, Donald Trump attributed the incident to Minnesota authorities and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, alleging that local authorities “neglected to permit police to safeguard federal officers.” He further accused the governor and mayor of “instigating a disturbance” in a post on Truth Social.
The shooting took place amidst the backdrop of the Trump administration’s extensive operation aimed at reinforcing immigration regulations in US cities.
The investigation into Alex Pretty’s demise remains ongoing. Minnesota authorities are advocating for an unbiased inquiry, while federal agencies have yet to furnish comprehensive details regarding the actions undertaken by their personnel.