WASHINGTON — Two federal immigration officers discharged their weapons in the fatal shooting of armed anti-ICE protester Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend, according to a preliminary Department of Homeland Security review of the incident.
Pretti, 37, and another woman who had been blowing a whistle at the officers refused to move out of the street on Saturday after having received “several verbal requests” to do so, prompting an attempted arrest, Tuesday’s review stated.
When Customs and Border Protection officers tried to take him into custody, Pretti, who was carrying a loaded Sig Sauer pistol, “resisted” and “a struggle ensued” during which a Border Patrol agent began shouting, “He’s got a gun!”
Five seconds later, one of those Border Patrol agents began firing his handgun at Pretti.
A CBP officer also discharged his firearm in the scuffle.
Video footage of the incident shows that at least 10 shots in total were fired, though it’s unclear if Pretti’s gun also misfired.
The review noted that a Border Patrol agent made other federal officers and agents aware after the gunfire that he had taken possession of Pretti’s Sig P320.
The feds tried to provide emergency medical aid as well to Pretti, who worked as an ICU nurse. He was pronounced dead within half an hour of the confrontation.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office is currently conducting an autopsy.
The DHS review was based on body camera footage and other CBP documents.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
