Victim Identified as Licensed Nurse and Junior Scientist Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was confirmed by his parents and the Associated Press as the man shot on Jan. 24, 2026; he held an active registered‑nurse license through March 2026 and listed himself as a junior scientist at the University of Minnesota Medical School on LinkedIn [1][2]. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted the victim’s only citations were minor parking tickets and that he possessed a valid handgun permit [1][2]. No violent criminal history was found in his record, underscoring his status as a lawful gun owner [1][2].

Shooting Occurred During Trump‑Era Immigration Operation The Department of Homeland Security said agents were conducting a “Trump‑era immigration crackdown” operation when Pretti approached officers with a handgun and violently resisted disarmament, prompting an eight‑year Border Patrol veteran to fire a defensive shot [1][2]. DHS framed the use of force as a lawful response to an armed threat, while the agency’s statement emphasized that the victim’s resistance justified lethal force [1][2]. Medical responders attempted resuscitation but pronounced him dead shortly after the shot [2].

Video Shows Multiple Officers Using Force Before Fatal Shot Bystander footage captured at least seven officers surrounding Pretti, with one climbing onto his back and another striking his chest, followed by a canister swung near his head before the fatal shot rang out [1]. The video also shows officers initially encircling the man, then increasing their numbers as the confrontation escalated [1]. The visual evidence contradicts the DHS claim of a brief encounter, highlighting a prolonged use of force [1].

Incident Marks Second Federal Shooting in Minneapolis Weeks Apart Pretti’s death occurred just over a mile from the Jan. 7 killing of 37‑year‑old Renee Nicole Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross, making it the second lethal encounter involving federal agents in the city within weeks [1]. The proximity and timing have intensified scrutiny of the federal immigration operation’s tactics in Minneapolis [1]. Authorities have not released further details about the Good case, but both incidents are now linked in public discourse [1].

Protests and Political Reactions Escalate After Shooting Thousands of demonstrators gathered after the shooting, shouting “ICE out now,” dragging dumpsters to block streets, while police responded with batons and flash‑bang devices [1]. Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social alleging a “cover‑up,” accusing the mayor and governor of inciting insurrection, and demanding that “ICE patriots” be allowed to operate [2]. Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the federal operation as an invasion and called for its immediate end, whereas the Border Patrol Union defended the agents’ actions as lawful and necessary [2].