MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In a series of press briefings on Sunday, federal and Minnesota officials presented sharply contrasting narratives regarding the recent immigration enforcement activities in Minneapolis and its environs, following the fatal shooting by federal agents. Both parties laid claim to moral superiority in the wake of another shooting death.
Governor Tim Walz publicly questioned, “Which side do you want to be on?” suggesting a choice between a “powerful federal government” and a “nurse at the VA hospital who died bearing witness,” referencing the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday.
Meanwhile, at a federal office located approximately 20 miles away, Greg Bovino, a senior official with the Border Patrol, attributed the violence to Pretti’s actions.
“When someone makes the choice to come into an active law enforcement scene, interfere, obstruct, delay or assault law enforcement officer and — and they bring a weapon to do that. That is a choice that that individual made,” Bovino stated.
Local leaders and Democrats nationwide have called for the withdrawal of federal immigration officers from Minnesota in response to Pretti’s shooting, which has also led to confrontations with protesters in the city, still reeling from another fatal shooting weeks prior.
Video Challenges Official Accounts
Footage captured by bystanders and examined by The Associated Press appears to challenge the Trump administration’s claims that agents acted defensively when confronting Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse. The video shows Pretti holding only a phone as he intervenes between an immigration officer and a woman. No evidence of him wielding a weapon is seen, although agents reportedly discovered a concealed 9 mm handgun on him, which he was licensed to carry.
Following the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Pretti of attacking officers, while Bovino remarked on Pretti’s alleged intent to “massacre law enforcement.” Bovino adopted a more cautious tone on Sunday, opting to await the investigation before making further comments.
Family and Public Reaction
Pretti’s family expressed both grief and anger towards the authorities, condemning the federal portrayal of the incident.
The family’s statement read: “The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand, and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed. Please get the truth out about our son.”
A 2024 social media video showed Pretti commemorating veteran Terrance Lee Randolph, emphasizing the need to “work for, nurture, protect, and even sacrifice for” freedom.
Governor Walz harshly criticized the federal narrative, calling it “despicable beyond all description,” and urged President Trump to halt the federal intervention and pursue humane immigration policies.
The White House countered, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accusing Walz of opposing law and order and inciting “left-wing agitators” to interfere with federal operations via X.
During the federal briefing, ICE’s Marcos Charles reported that an agent lost part of a finger to a protester’s bite on Saturday in Minneapolis.
“This kind of violence is not a coincidence,” Charles stated, blaming sanctuary policies and media narratives for fostering chaos and fear.
Pretti’s shooting occurred near the site where another ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good on January 7, prompting widespread protests.
Federal officials have assumed control of the shooting investigation, obstructing local efforts to participate. Drew Evans, superintendent of the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, reported that federal officers initially barred his team from the scene despite having a judicial warrant, though bureau officers were present Sunday morning.
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to preserve evidence related to the shooting, following a lawsuit from state and county officials.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that the lawsuit, filed on Saturday, aims to preserve evidence gathered by federal authorities that state officials have yet to review. A federal court hearing is scheduled for Monday in St. Paul.
Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin dismissed the lawsuit as a “ridiculous attempt to divide the American people” and distract from the attacks on law enforcement.
The Minnesota National Guard temporarily supported local police at Walz’s direction, deploying troops to the shooting site and a federal building frequently targeted by demonstrators.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, appearing on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” confirmed that his department had resumed sole responsibility for responding to calls, noting the strain the crackdown placed on his force.
Questions Surrounding Pretti’s Actions
Chief O’Hara acknowledged no evidence of Pretti brandishing the pistol and voiced concerns over the toll of managing disorder in addition to regular policing duties.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York joined a chorus of Democratic lawmakers demanding the withdrawal of federal immigration authorities from Minnesota.
Former President Barack Obama described Pretti’s death as a “heartbreaking tragedy,” cautioning against the erosion of national values and urging collaboration between the White House and local leaders.
Federal officials have repeatedly questioned Pretti’s decision to be armed at the scene. However, gun rights advocates have defended the legality of carrying firearms during protests.
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus stated: “Every peaceable Minnesotan has the right to keep and bear arms — including while attending protests, acting as observers, or exercising their First Amendment rights. These rights do not disappear when someone is lawfully armed.”
Incident Footage Analysis
Bystander videos depict the protest beginning with whistles and insults directed at federal officers. Pretti intervenes after an officer shoves a woman, appearing to hold only a phone. The officer then shoves and pepper sprays Pretti and the woman.
At least seven officers then force Pretti to the ground, trying to restrain him. An officer strikes him near his head multiple times with a canister.
A Border Patrol officer fires the first shot, followed by several more into Pretti’s back after a brief pause, leaving Pretti motionless.
Brett Williams, a 37-year-old from the suburbs, attended a vigil at the scene on Sunday.
“I stand in solidarity with a brother whose life was taken too soon,” he said, emphasizing Pretti’s support for immigrants. “He’s standing up for immigrants. We’re all immigrants.”
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Associated Press writers Jack Brook and Tim Sullivan in Minneapolis, Michael Biesecker and Michelle L. Price in Washington, and Jim Mustian in New York contributed to this report.
