Trump Posts Jan 13 Pretti Confrontation Video as DHS Reviews Footage
Updated (2 articles)
Trump Shares Jan 13 Confrontation Clip on Truth Social On January 29, President Donald Trump uploaded a video of Alex Pretti’s Jan 13 encounter with ICE agents and a screenshot of an X comment labeling Pretti a “peaceful protester” turned “domestic terrorist” [1]. The clip, originally posted by The News Movement, was independently verified by the BBC using facial‑recognition software that matched Pretti with 97 % confidence, a match also confirmed by his family [1][2]. No direct comment from the White House accompanied the post, prompting Newsweek to request a response [1].
Footage Shows Pretti Kicking Federal SUV and Agents Deploying Irritants The video captures Pretti motioning to spit, kicking the taillight of a federal SUV, and being forced to the ground while agents release chemical irritants amid shouting bystanders [1][2]. A handgun is visible near his waistband, identical to the weapon seen in the fatal Jan 24 shooting, but Pretti never draws it [1][2]. Bystanders record and honk horns as the confrontation unfolds [2].
Multiple Agencies Launch Investigations After Video Release The Department of Homeland Security confirmed it is reviewing the Jan 13 footage, and the FBI and Customs and Border Protection have opened parallel inquiries [2]. The White House reported three investigations are underway, and a federal judge issued a restraining order to preserve evidence from the incident [1]. Pretti’s parents assert he only held a phone, while attorney Steve Schleicher argues the earlier assault cannot justify the later lethal use of force [1][2].
Political Figures Offer Divergent Reactions to the Video Donald Trump Jr. reposted the clip, calling Pretti a “peaceful legal observer,” whereas conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly accused him of “stalking” Border Patrol [2]. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he had not seen the video and questioned its relevance to the Jan 24 shooting [2]. Civil‑rights lawyer Andrew C Laufer suggested the incident might warrant detention but not deadly force, highlighting the legal debate [2].
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: Trump Shares New Alex Pretti Confrontation Video Amid Calls for Investigation: Details Trump’s posting of the Jan 13 video, BBC verification, family confirmation, video content, and the surge of federal investigations .
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2.
Newsweek: DHS Reviews Video Showing Alex Pretti Kicking Federal Agents’ SUV: Focuses on DHS’s review, BBC facial‑recognition link, timeline before the Jan 24 shooting, family attorney’s stance, and varied political reactions .
Timeline
Jan 13, 2026 – Alex Pretti confronts ICE agents on a Minneapolis street, kicks the taillight of a federal SUV, is forced to the ground, and agents deploy chemical irritants while a handgun is visible at his waistband but he never draws it, as captured in video later verified by BBC facial‑recognition [1][2].
Jan 24, 2026 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents fatally shoot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, an incident reported as occurring eleven days after his Jan 13 confrontation [2].
Early Jan 2026 – The News Movement uploads the Jan 13 confrontation video to social media, making the footage publicly available before any official release [1][2].
Jan 29, 2026 – President Donald Trump shares the Jan 13 video and a screenshot of an X comment labeling Pretti a “peaceful protester” then a “domestic terrorist” on Truth Social, without providing direct comment [1].
Jan 29, 2026 – The Department of Homeland Security announces it is reviewing the Jan 13 video as part of its investigation into the confrontation [2].
Jan 29, 2026 – The White House confirms three investigations—by DHS, FBI, and CBP—are underway and a federal judge issues a restraining order to preserve evidence from the Jan 13 incident [1].
Jan 29, 2026 – Donald Trump Jr. posts the clip on social media, calling Pretti a “peaceful legal observer” [1].
Jan 29, 2026 – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says he has not seen the video and questions linking the Jan 13 altercation to the later shooting [2].
Jan 29, 2026 – Conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly accuses Pretti of “stalking” Border Patrol agents in the Jan 13 footage [2].
Jan 29, 2026 – Attorney Steve Schleicher, representing Pretti’s family, states the earlier assault “could not possibly have justified” the fatal shooting on Jan 24 [2].
Jan 29, 2026 – BBC facial‑recognition analysis confirms with a 97 % match that the man in the Jan 13 video is Alex Pretti, and his family verifies his identity [1][2].
Jan 29, 2026 – Pretti’s parents assert he was holding a phone, not a weapon, and deny he drew the handgun visible in his waistband [1].
Jan 29, 2026 – Federal and state investigations intensify, with DHS, FBI, and CBP reviewing the footage and evidence as the case proceeds [1].