The man fatally shot by federal officers in south Minneapolis on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, has been identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, according to law enforcement sources and family confirmations.
Pretti, a licensed registered nurse who worked in an intensive care unit at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration hospital, was killed during a confrontation with agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of an aggressive immigration enforcement operation that has drawn widespread attention and protest.
Shooting and Immediate Aftermath
The incident occurred in the Whittier neighborhood on Nicollet Avenue shortly before mid-morning and was one of several recent uses of deadly force by federal agents in Minneapolis.
According to DHS officials, Pretti approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm handgun and two magazines, resisted attempts to disarm him and was shot after agents fired “defensive shots.” Federal authorities maintain the use of force was justified to protect officers.
Minnesota city and law enforcement leaders — including Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara — confirmed that Pretti was a 37-year-old resident and U.S. citizen with no serious criminal history and that he was legally permitted to carry a firearm.
Family Background and Personal Life
Pretti’s family in Wisconsin described him as an avid outdoorsman who cared deeply about people and was passionate about public service. According to relatives, he had participated in protests against federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis following an earlier fatal shooting of another resident by a federal officer.
“He cared about people deeply,” his father said, noting that Pretti’s involvement in demonstrations was born out of concern for community and social justice.
Public Reaction, Protests, and Political Response
The shooting sparked immediate protests and confrontations between demonstrators and federal agents in the area, with tear gas deployed as crowd tensions escalated.
Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard in response to the unrest and criticized federal tactics, emphasizing the need for a state-led investigation and accountability.
Local and national leaders are divided. Some defend federal law enforcement actions under current immigration policies, while critics condemn what they characterize as excessive force against a U.S. citizen — especially one with no significant criminal history.
Broader Context
Saturday’s shooting marks the second fatal encounter involving federal agents in Minneapolis in under three weeks, following earlier shootings that intensified debate over federal immigration enforcement strategies.
Investigations by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and other authorities are ongoing, although access to the scene by state investigators was reportedly limited by federal officials.
As authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death, his family and supporters are calling for transparency, accountability, and a reassessment of federal operations conducted in local communities.
This story is developing; additional updates may follow as more information becomes available.
