Federal Agents Involved in Alex Pretti Shooting Placed on Leave Amid Ongoing Protests

Federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have been placed on administrative leave, according to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson. This action is standard protocol during investigations into the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers.

The incident occurred on January 24, 2026, during an immigration enforcement operation. Pretti, a lawful gun owner with no criminal record, was shot multiple times by federal agents. Video footage and witness accounts have raised questions about the circumstances leading to his death, with some suggesting that Pretti was not posing an immediate threat at the time he was shot.

The shooting has sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis and other cities, with demonstrators calling for accountability and a reevaluation of federal immigration enforcement practices. In response to the unrest, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has deployed the National Guard to assist local law enforcement in maintaining order.

In a related development, Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was attacked during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on January 27. A man identified as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak sprayed an unknown substance at Omar using a syringe. The suspect was immediately apprehended and is facing charges of third-degree assault. Omar was unharmed and continued with the event, stating, "We are Minnesota strong. We will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us."

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting a comprehensive review of the Pretti shooting, including the examination of body-worn camera footage. The findings of this investigation are expected to be released in the coming weeks.