Minneapolis Shooting Captured on Video Contradicts Official Narrative The U.S. Border Patrol officer shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti in downtown Minneapolis, an encounter later shown in released footage where Pretti is pushed, holds a cell phone, and never displays a firearm [1][2]. The video shows the officer spraying a chemical irritant, dragging Pretti to the ground, and then firing, contradicting early statements that Pretti “brandished” a gun [1][2]. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the footage contains no evidence of a weapon in Pretti’s hands [2]. The discrepancy has sparked immediate calls for an independent review of the incident [1].

Officials Initially Described Pretti as Armed Aggressor Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told reporters that Pretti “impeded” and “attacked” officers and later claimed he “brandished” a weapon with “dozens of rounds” [2]. FBI Director Kash Patel echoed the “attack” language on Fox News, asserting illegal gun possession despite the lack of visual proof [2]. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino also described Pretti as having “assaulted federal officers,” yet could not point to a specific moment in the video [2]. By Sunday, Noem softened her language, referring only to “laying hands” on law enforcement and dropping the brandishing allegation [2].

Legal Experts Refute Claims of Illegal Firearm Possession Police records show Pretti possessed a valid concealed‑carry permit and was lawfully armed while directing traffic at the protest [2]. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and Gun Owners of America criticized Patel’s statement as “completely incorrect” under state law, noting no prohibition on permit‑holders carrying loaded firearms with multiple magazines at demonstrations [2]. Minnesota statutes define illegal carry without a permit as a petty misdemeanor, not a federal offense [2]. These rebuttals highlight a gap between federal officials’ rhetoric and state legal standards [2].

Lawmakers Demand Joint Federal‑State Probe and Transparency Senator Bill Cassidy posted on X that the credibility of ICE and DHS hinges on a full joint federal‑state investigation, urging transparency for the American public [1]. Senators John Curtis and other bipartisan lawmakers called for a “transparent, independent investigation” to restore trust after the administration’s contradictory statements [1]. The incident adds to broader doubts about the Trump administration’s credibility, with Gallup reporting only 38 % public trust in the federal government [1]. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to distance President Trump from the premature domestic‑terrorist label applied to Pretti [1].