Full Breakdown
FBI Denies Access to Evidence in Alex Pretti Shooting
2/16/2026, 9:25:36 PM
Overview of the Incident
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has announced that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will not provide access to evidence related to the shooting death of Alex Pretti, who was killed by federal immigration agents on January 24, 2023, in Minneapolis. This decision has raised significant concerns among state officials regarding the transparency and accountability of the investigation.
Context of the Investigation
Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot during a confrontation with Border Patrol agents while he was reportedly attempting to assist a woman who was being pushed to the ground by federal agents. Eyewitness videos suggest that Pretti was recording the incident when he was tackled by agents, leading to a chaotic scene where gunfire erupted. The Department of Homeland Security initially described Pretti as a "domestic terrorist," a characterization that has been met with public outrage and criticism from his family.
The BCA has been seeking access to evidence not only in Pretti's case but also in the shootings of Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE agent on January 7, and Julio Sosa-Celis, who was shot on January 14. The BCA has historically conducted investigations into law enforcement shootings but has faced unprecedented barriers in these federal cases.
Official Statements & Responses
BCA Superintendent Drew Evans expressed deep concern over the FBI's refusal to cooperate, labeling it "concerning and unprecedented." He stated, “Our agency has committed to the FBI and Department of Justice that should its stance change we remain willing to share information that we have obtained with that agency and would welcome a joint investigation.” The BCA plans to continue its investigations independently, despite the lack of access to key evidence.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has indicated that she expects to make a charging decision regarding the Pretti shooting, but the lack of federal cooperation complicates the legal landscape. She has reiterated the need for thorough investigations to ensure justice and accountability.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics, including Democratic leaders in Minnesota, argue that the lack of federal cooperation undermines public trust in the investigation process. They contend that allowing federal agencies to investigate themselves creates a conflict of interest and diminishes the credibility of the findings. The BCA's inability to access evidence hampers local prosecutors' ability to determine whether criminal charges against federal agents are warranted.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the FBI has stated that the investigation is being reviewed jointly with the Department of Homeland Security, the specifics of this cooperation remain unclear. The BCA has not received definitive answers regarding access to evidence in the other two shootings, leading to uncertainty about the overall investigative process.
What's Next
The BCA continues to seek information from the public regarding the shootings of Pretti, Good, and Sosa-Celis. They have urged anyone with relevant information to contact them directly. As the investigations proceed, the implications of federal non-cooperation will likely continue to be a focal point in discussions about accountability and transparency in law enforcement actions.
