The Department of Justice (DOJ), led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has opened a civil rights investigation into the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Minnesota nurse. Pretti was shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on January 17. The focus of the inquiry is to determine the events that led to the shooting and the legal authority under which the agents operated. This case has revealed internal disagreements within the federal government, with DOJ civil rights lawyers examining the actions of agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), overseen by Secretary Kristi Noem.
According to reports, Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse at the Department of Veterans Affairs, was armed with a handgun and carrying multiple magazines of ammunition when confronted by the agents. Although he possessed a concealed carry permit, the situation was deemed "high risk," leading to a physical altercation with Pretti resisting arrest and a struggle involving several agents. The report indicates that Pretti was pepper-sprayed, and although he was disarmed shortly before being shot, agents justified their use of lethal force as necessary for officer safety.
Bystander video footage has become a pivotal piece of evidence, as it reportedly contradicts the initial government narrative by not showing Pretti pointing a weapon at agents. Despite warnings about "multiple magazines," the video does not depict any clear brandishing of a weapon. Preliminary internal DHS reviews support this observation, finding no evidence of Pretti flashing his firearm at law enforcement. This discrepancy has been a driving factor for the DOJ's intervention.
The DOJ's investigation will take into account body camera footage, audio from dispatches, witness statements, and the sequence of commands given to understand the agents' perceptions when declaring the situation as "armed" and when deciding to fire their weapons.
This incident has placed increased scrutiny on President Donald Trump's administration, prompting a reevaluation of the rules of engagement for immigration enforcement operations. The case also raises questions about accountability when official accounts and video evidence do not align.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the DOJ's investigation but cautioned against letting a single video alter perceptions of the event. The DOJ's findings will be crucial in determining whether federal laws or standards on the use of force and detention were violated during this fatal encounter.
