Video Evidence Contradicts Federal Claims in Fatal Shooting of Minneapolis Protester

By Lions Roar International Desk

MINNEAPOLIS, USA (Monday, January 26, 2026) — The fatal shooting of a 37-year-old protester by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis has ignited a firestorm of national outrage. While the Trump administration maintains that officers acted in self-defense against an “armed assassin,” multiple bystander videos reviewed by the Associated Press appear to tell a vastly different story.

The victim, Alex Pretti, was killed on Saturday morning during a scuffle with federal agents participating in Operation Metro Surge, a massive immigration crackdown currently sweeping through the Twin Cities.

🎥 The Video Evidence vs. The Official Narrative

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially claimed that Pretti was shot after he “approached” agents with a handgun. However, video footage from several angles suggests a far more complex and violent interaction.

The Scuffle: Videos show at least half a dozen masked federal agents surrounding and wrestling Pretti to the ground.
The Disarming: During the struggle, an officer is heard shouting “gun, gun.” An agent appears to pull a handgun from Pretti’s waist area—where he was legally carrying a concealed weapon—and begins to move away.
The Fatal Shots: As the agent holding the confiscated gun backs away, a first shot is fired at Pretti. Following a slight pause, several more shots are fired directly into Pretti’s back as he slumps to the ground.
Contradiction: Throughout much of the lead-up, Pretti is seen holding only his mobile phone while attempting to shield other protesters from being shoved by tactical officers.

🏛️ “An Invasion”: Local Leaders React

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have condemned the shooting in the strongest possible terms, accusing the federal government of using excessive and untrained force.

“I’ve seen the videos, from several angles, and it’s sickening,” said Governor Tim Walz.

Mayor Frey described the scene as “more than six masked agents pummeling one of our constituents, shooting him to death,” and reiterated his stance that the city is being “invaded” by federal authorities.

⚖️ The Administration’s Stance

Despite the footage, federal officials have doubled down on their defense of the agents.

Stephen Miller (Deputy Chief of Staff): Labeled Pretti a “would-be assassin” in posts on X.
Kristi Noem (Homeland Security Secretary): Claimed Pretti “attacked” officers and resisted disarming.
Donald Trump: Shared images of the recovered 9mm handgun on social media, questioning why local police were not “allowed to protect ICE Officers” and criticizing the Governor and Mayor.

📊 Operation Metro Surge: A Month of Violence

Date	Incident	Victim	Outcome
Jan 7, 2026	Federal Shooting	Renee Good	Deceased
Jan 23, 2026	ICE Detention	5-Year-Old Boy	Used as “bait” for parents
Jan 24, 2026	Border Patrol Shooting	Alex Pretti	Deceased

🔍 Context: A City Under Siege

This is the second fatal shooting by federal immigration authorities in Minneapolis this month. The city has become the focal point of the administration’s “Operation Metro Surge,” leading to daily protests and a deep schism between federal enforcement and local government.