Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretti by Federal Officers in Minneapolis

On January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, was fatally shot during an encounter with federal officers from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Minneapolis. According to an initial report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), two officers discharged their firearms while attempting to take Pretti into custody. The incident has raised significant questions regarding the circumstances leading to the shooting.

Exclusive: Two officers fired their guns during Pretti encounter, Homeland Security says in initial reportDHS tells Congress 2 federal officers fired shots during encounter that killed Alex Pretti

The DHS report indicates that officers attempted to apprehend Pretti, who resisted their efforts, resulting in a struggle. During this confrontation, a Border Patrol agent reportedly shouted, “He’s got a gun!” multiple times. Approximately five seconds later, both a Border Patrol agent and a CBP officer fired their agency-issued firearms at Pretti. The report does not clarify whether the shots fired struck Pretti or if he had drawn his own weapon during the altercation. However, video footage analyzed by CNN suggests that an officer removed Pretti's firearm from his waist moments before the shooting occurred.

Exclusive: Two officers fired their guns during Pretti encounter, Homeland Security says in initial reportDHS tells Congress 2 federal officers fired shots during encounter that killed Alex Pretti

Following the shooting, CBP personnel provided medical aid to Pretti, including applying chest seals to his wounds. Despite these efforts, he was pronounced dead at Hennepin County Medical Center shortly after being transported by emergency services.

Exclusive: Two officers fired their guns during Pretti encounter, Homeland Security says in initial report

The shooting is currently under investigation by multiple agencies, including the DHS's Homeland Security Investigative agency and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility is leading an internal investigation into the incident, which is standard procedure for in-custody deaths involving its officers.

Exclusive: Two officers fired their guns during Pretti encounter, Homeland Security says in initial report

In a notification to Congress, a CBP official confirmed that two federal officers fired their weapons during the encounter with Pretti. The official reiterated that the officers attempted to take Pretti into custody, leading to the struggle that resulted in the shooting. The agency is required to report such incidents to Congress, emphasizing the seriousness of the event.

Exclusive: Two officers fired their guns during Pretti encounter, Homeland Security says in initial report

The circumstances surrounding Pretti's death have prompted scrutiny from various advocacy groups and community members. Critics have raised concerns about the use of lethal force in situations involving individuals who may not pose an immediate threat. The ongoing investigations are expected to address these concerns and provide clarity on the actions of the officers involved.

Exclusive: Two officers fired their guns during Pretti encounter, Homeland Security says in initial report

While the initial report from DHS outlines the sequence of events leading to the shooting, it does not provide definitive answers regarding whether Pretti's firearm was drawn during the struggle. This ambiguity has led to differing interpretations of the incident, highlighting the need for thorough investigations to ascertain the facts.

Exclusive: Two officers fired their guns during Pretti encounter, Homeland Security says in initial report

As investigations continue, an autopsy will be conducted by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office, with findings expected to shed further light on the circumstances of Pretti's death. The outcomes of these investigations may influence policies regarding the use of force by federal officers in similar situations.

Exclusive: Two officers fired their guns during Pretti encounter, Homeland Security says in initial report