Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at a Minneapolis military veterans’ hospital, was fatally shot by federal immigration agents on January 24, 2026. The incident has sparked renewed attention after newly released videos reveal a prior confrontation with federal officers just 11 days before his death.
New Video Shows Prior Scuffle With Federal Agents
Three newly discovered videos document a physical altercation between Alex Pretti and federal immigration agents on January 13, 2026. The footage shows Pretti being forcibly taken to the ground by agents during an encounter at a federal facility in Minneapolis.
According to witnesses, Pretti sustained injuries during the altercation but did not receive immediate medical care. Max Shapiro, a bystander who recorded the interaction, described the incident: “He got slammed to the ground pretty hard.” The video concludes with Shapiro approaching Pretti and asking if he was okay, to which Pretti responded “I’m OK.”
Family Statements Deny Proximity to Previous Incident
A representative for the Pretti family stated that they were aware of the prior incident but emphasized that the 11-day gap between the two events makes it clear that the earlier confrontation could not have justified the fatal shooting. The family noted that no weapon was visible in the newly released videos.
- Three videos documenting the January 13 altercation
- Witness accounts describe forceful takedown by federal agents
- Pretti did not receive medical care after the initial incident
- Familial response: prior event “could not have justified” the killing
“Nothing that happened a full week before could possibly have justified Alex’s killing.” – Family Representative
Coverage From Multiple Major Outlets
The story has garnered significant attention across various media organizations, each focusing on different aspects of the incident:
Major Media Coverage
- The Guardian documented the videos showing the confrontation with federal officers
- CNN analyzed the movements of the two agents involved, concluding their aggressive actions escalated the encounter
- ABC News reported on the timeline and circumstances surrounding the shooting
- Reuters noted that an initial U.S. government review did not mention Pretti brandishing a firearm
- The New York Times created an interactive timeline of the shooting events
Government Response and Agent Status
Following the fatal shooting, border agents involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave. This standard procedure allows for investigation while maintaining agent neutrality during the review process.
The case has drawn attention to ongoing debates regarding immigration enforcement practices and the use of force by federal agents. Political figures, including President Donald Trump, have also commented on the incident, with Trump sharing video of the prior confrontation on Truth Social.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Shooting | January 24, 2026 |
| Age at Time of Death | 37 years old |
| Profession | ICU Nurse at VA Hospital |
| Incident Type | Fatal shooting by immigration agents |
| Agents Placed on Leave | Border agents involved in the shooting |
Timeline of Events
- January 13, 2026: Alex Pretti encounters federal immigration agents at a facility in Minneapolis. Video shows him being forcibly taken to the ground during the altercation.
- January 13-24, 2026: Approximately 11 days pass between the prior incident and the fatal shooting.
- January 24, 2026: Alex Pretti is fatally shot by federal officers at approximately 9:00 AM Central Time.
- After January 24: New videos are released, prompting media coverage and official reviews of the incident.
Continued Investigation and Public Attention
Officials are conducting thorough reviews of the circumstances surrounding both the prior altercation and the fatal shooting. The timeline between the two events remains a significant factor in the ongoing investigation, with family representatives emphasizing that the earlier incident cannot serve as justification for the deadly force used 11 days later.
As the investigation continues, various advocacy groups and community members are calling for transparency and accountability in the handling of the case. The video evidence provides additional context, though questions remain about the sequence of events that led to the fatal outcome.
Sources & References
- Videos show altercation between Alex Pretti and federal officers – The Guardian
- How two federal agents escalated an encounter with Alex Pretti – CNN
- New video shows Alex Pretti clashing with agents 11 days before fatal shooting – ABC News
- US review of Alex Pretti killing does not mention him brandishing firearm – Reuters
- Timeline: A Moment-by-Moment Look at the Shooting of Alex Pretti – The New York Times