Story perspectives

DOJ Launches Civil Rights Probe into Minneapolis Shooting

1/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) opened a civil rights investigation into the January 24, 2026 shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General, confirmed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) leads and the DOJ's Civil Rights Division is involved.
This shifts leadership from the Department of Homeland Security to a narrower inquiry.
The decision follows criticism of handling and contrasts with refusal to investigate Renee Good.

History

Historical Context

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, marked a significant legislative achievement by prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This act empowered the Department of Justice to enforce civil rights protections, reflecting the ongoing struggle against systemic discrimination, as seen in contemporary investigations like Alex Pretti's shooting in Minneapolis.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) opened a civil rights investigation into the January 24, 2026 shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General, confirmed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) leads and the DOJ's Civil Rights Division is involved.
This shifts leadership from the Department of Homeland Security to a narrower inquiry.
The decision follows criticism of handling and contrasts with refusal to investigate Renee Good.

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