Fatal shooting captured on video contradicts early claims Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old ICU nurse, was shot dead by Customs and Border Protection agents in Minneapolis on Jan 24, 2026 while trying to shield a woman who had been shoved; the footage shows agents swarming, disarming him, and then opening fire [1][2][3]. The video reveals no moment where Pretti draws a weapon, and an agent is seen taking his gun before the shots are fired [1][3]. Two officers discharged firearms during the incident, contradicting the single‑shooter narrative initially presented [2][3].

Administration initially labeled Pretti an armed assassin White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called Pretti an “assassin” on social media and claimed he intended to murder federal agents, while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem described him as a “domestic terrorist” who brandished a gun [1][2]. Both officials cited agents shouting “He’s got a gun!” as justification, yet no video evidence supports the presence of a firearm in Pretti’s hands [2][3]. The contradictory accounts prompted a Justice Department civil‑rights probe into the agents’ use‑of‑force tactics [1].

White House acknowledges possible CBP protocol breach Miller told CNN that the Minneapolis CBP team may have ignored guidance requiring extra personnel and a physical barrier for fugitive operations, a rare admission of potential misconduct [3]. The review, ordered by the White House, directs DHS to deploy additional staff and barriers in Minnesota to prevent similar incidents [2]. Congressional notification confirms the two officers who fired remain unidentified, violating reporting norms that normally disclose identities [2].

Trump shifts tone while retaining key aides President Donald Trump publicly rejected Miller’s “domestic‑terrorism” language, claimed he had not heard it, and announced a “de‑escalation” plan for Minnesota, signaling a conciliatory stance [3]. He appointed Tom Homan as the new ICE “border czar” in Minneapolis, replacing Gregory Bovino, but affirmed that Miller and Noem will keep their positions [3][1]. The administration’s backtrack occurs as a civil‑rights investigation proceeds, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of federal law‑enforcement actions [1].