Trump Condemns Pretti After New Video, Orders Investigation and Command Change
Updated (3 articles)
Fatal Shooting of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti on Jan 24 Pretti, a 37‑year‑old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, was shot by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis during a protest on Jan 24, 2026 and died at the scene; he held a concealed‑carry permit but was unarmed when agents opened fire [1][3]. The incident follows the Jan 7 killing of immigration activist Renee Good, marking the second fatal encounter with federal immigration officers in the city that month [1][3].
Jan 13 Confrontation Captured in Newly Released Video Footage posted by The News Movement and later obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune shows Pretti yelling, spitting, and kicking the taillight off a Ford Expedition while ICE officers in gas masks forced him to the ground and deployed tear‑gas [1][2]. A handgun is visible in his waistband but he does not draw it, and legal scholars argue the Jan 13 altercation—limited to verbal aggression and property damage—does not affect the Fourth Amendment analysis of the Jan 24 lethal‑force decision [1][2].
Federal Authorities Launch Multiple Investigations and Replace Commander The Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection each opened separate inquiries into the Jan 24 shooting, alongside a state‑level probe [2]. President Trump removed Minneapolis Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino and installed Tom Homan to oversee operations, citing a need to de‑escalate tensions [2][1]. A federal judge issued an order blocking any alteration or destruction of evidence after a Minnesota lawsuit sought to preserve material for an independent review [2][1].
Political Rhetoric Clashes with Family’s Characterization Trump labeled Pretti a “crazed and out‑of‑control agitator” and an “insurrectionist,” while White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller called him a “would‑be assassin,” remarks later softened by the president demanding an “honest” investigation [1]. DHS secretary Kristi Noem described the act as “domestic terrorism,” a claim the family rejected, describing him as warm‑hearted and noting videos show him holding a phone, not a weapon [1][3]. Community members held a candlelit vigil, praising his kindness, outdoorsmanship, and service to veterans [3].
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: Trump Condemns Alex Pretti After New Video Shows Confrontation: Details Trump’s harsh labeling of Pretti, release of Jan 13 footage, conflicting admin characterizations, and notes the shooting is the second fatal federal encounter in Minneapolis that month .
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2.
Newsweek: Trump Border Czar Responds to New Video of Alex Pretti Shooting: Highlights Tom Homan’s non‑comment, the Jan 13 video, removal of Pretti’s legally carried gun before the Jan 24 shooting, commander replacement, three federal investigations, and a judge’s evidence‑preservation order .
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3.
AP: Minneapolis mourns nurse Alex Pretti killed by Border Patrol agents: Focuses on family’s rejection of the “domestic terrorist” label, community vigil, DHS claim that Pretti approached with a handgun versus video showing a phone, and the family’s lack of federal communication after the shooting .
Timeline
Jan 7, 2026 – ICE officer shoots immigration activist Renee Nicole Good in her vehicle during a Minneapolis protest, marking the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal immigration agents that month and sparking nationwide protests and calls for Secretary Noem’s resignation [1][3].
Jan 13, 2026 – Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old ICU nurse, confronts ICE officers in Minneapolis, yelling, spitting, and kicking the taillight off a Ford Expedition; the encounter is captured on video later released by The News Movement and cited by MAGA commentators to portray him as an agitator [1][2].
Jan 24, 2026 – Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis shoot Pretti after removing a legally carried handgun from his waistband; he dies at the scene, prompting three concurrent federal investigations by DHS, FBI, and CBP and a state‑level probe [1][2].
Jan 25, 2026 – Pretti’s family identifies his body after the Hennepin County Medical Examiner confirms his death, rejects the administration’s “domestic terrorist” label, and describes him as “kind and warm‑hearted,” while neighbors hold a candlelit vigil honoring his character [3].
Late Jan 2026 – President Trump removes Minneapolis Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino and installs Tom Homan to oversee operations, pledging an “honest” investigation and aiming to de‑escalate tensions in Minnesota [2].
Jan 29, 2026 – At a press conference, Tom Homan declines to comment on the shooting pending investigation, stating “I do not want anyone to die, including those being sought,” and urges the inquiry to run its course [2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Trump posts on Truth Social calling Pretti “crazed and out of control,” labels him an “agitator and perhaps, insurrectionist,” and says he wants an “honest” investigation, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem calls the act “domestic terrorism” and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller calls him a “would‑be assassin,” a remark the White House later distances from [1].
Jan 2026 (ongoing) – A federal judge issues an order blocking the Trump administration from destroying or altering evidence in the Pretti case, ensuring transparency for the multiple investigations, while DHS, FBI, and CBP continue their internal reviews [2].