Full Breakdown
Federal Evidence Sharing Halted in Good and Pretti Cases
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Minnesota officials allege that the U.S. Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security ceased providing case materials related to the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. State filings say the pause began shortly after Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced in July that hard drives, body-camera video and the SUV involved in Good’s shooting had been received. The federal side cites internal “challenges with D.C.” as the reason for an indefinite suspension of further transfers.
Background & Context
Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer while exiting a vehicle during a Minneapolis protest in early January. Weeks later, Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive-care nurse, was killed by federal officers in the same city. Both killings occurred amid a large immigration-enforcement operation in the Twin Cities and sparked nationwide protests against the administration’s immigration policies. No criminal charges have been filed in either case.
Official Statements & Responses
The Justice Department responded that its discretion to withhold records is grounded in the Touhy regulations, which apply only when formal legal proceedings are underway—a condition the state had not met. DOJ attorneys also argued that the agency’s decision is not subject to review under the Administrative Procedure Act and that Minnesota already possesses “all the evidence” cited in earlier news coverage.
Data & Statistics
- July 13 – Moriarty announced receipt of hard drives, body-camera footage and the SUV.
- The U.S. Attorney’s Office informed the state that evidence sharing would be paused indefinitely.
- Materials still withheld include: the cellphone of the officer who shot Good, clothing from Good, interview recordings, firearms used in Pretti’s shooting, the firearm taken from Pretti, officers’ cellphones, projectiles, casings, and a recorded officer statement.
What’s Next
In an October filing, Minnesota asked a federal judge to issue an order compelling the agencies to turn over the remaining evidence without a trial. The Justice Department has moved to dismiss the suit or transfer it to a Minnesota forum. The court’s decision will determine whether the state can obtain the withheld materials.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now we have all the evidence,” — Mary Moriarty, hennepin county attorney