Parents of Alex Pretti Accuse DOJ of Withholding Evidence in Federal Shooting

On January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive-care nurse at a veterans hospital, was fatally shot by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers during a protest in Minneapolis. Bystander video shows Pretti on his knees, holding a cellphone after being pepper-sprayed; officers then removed a legally owned handgun from his waistband and fired at least ten rounds into his back. Nine months later, on October 27, 2026, his parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, held a news conference demanding that the Department of Justice (DOJ) release all evidence and identify the agents involved.

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Pretti’s death occurred amid “Operation Metro Surge,” a federal immigration enforcement push that also produced the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7, 2026 and a non-fatal shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis on January 14, 2026. The incidents sparked protests and prompted Minnesota officials to sue the Trump administration in March for access to investigative materials. In July, state prosecutors said the DOJ had begun sharing “voluminous” evidence, but the cooperation stopped shortly thereafter.

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Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty allege that the DOJ halted provision of critical items—including the officers’ firearms, cell-phone recordings, and ballistic evidence—after an initial exchange. A court filing dated October 13, 2026 notes that the federal government “abruptly changed course” and withheld the remaining file. The Pretti family’s July 13 meeting with U.S. officials did not produce further material. The DOJ maintains that communication with victims typically occurs only after formal stages such as indictment or trial.

Reuters

• The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota declined comment when approached by multiple news outlets on the day of the conference.

Alex Pretti's parents seek answers from federal government 9 months after son's killing

• “The federal government went on TV and lied about Alex. They tried to slander his memory to cover up their crime. Not only was it wrong, it was shameful, unfair and unacceptable,” — Susan Pretti, attorney

Minnesota Public Radio (MPR)

• “Share the evidence now so prosecutors can follow the facts and hold these men accountable,” — Michael Pretti, attorney

The Hill

• “The federal government continues to obstruct our investigation into Alex Pretti's killing. That's why we continue to pursue our lawsuit in federal court to access the evidence that is being wrongly withheld.” — Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney

Alex Pretti's parents seek answers from federal government 9 months after son's killing

The dispute highlights tensions between federal law-enforcement agencies and state authorities over jurisdiction and transparency in incidents involving federal officers. The Pretti family argues that withholding evidence violates the federal Crime Victims’ Rights Act, while the DOJ cites procedural norms. The case raises questions about accountability mechanisms for federal agents operating under immigration-enforcement directives.

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State officials continue to pursue court orders to obtain the remaining evidence. Attorney Keith Ellison indicated that litigation will proceed to compel the DOJ to produce the full file. No further federal communication has been scheduled, and the DOJ has not indicated a timeline for additional disclosures.

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