Minneapolis: A US Border Patrol officer shot and killed an armed individual Saturday who was wanted for “violent assault” during a targeted operation in Minnesota, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency reported that the incident took place at 9:05 am local time, with the individual approaching officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
According to Anadolu Agency, officers attempted to disarm the suspect, who “violently resisted,” as stated in a DHS announcement on US social media company X. “Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots,” the statement said. Although medics provided immediate medical aid, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, was an intensive care nurse living in Minneapolis with no prior criminal record. Officials noted that he was carrying two magazines and had no identification at the time of the incident. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that the victim was a 37-year-old white male and believed to be an American citizen. Pretti had only traffic violations on his record and was considered a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.
Footage on social media depicted several agents struggling to detain Pretti, whom they forced to the ground. Some officers appeared to strike him as a gunshot was heard.
Local and federal officials have since demanded the termination of ICE operations in Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz expressed his concerns following “another horrific shooting” and called for the Trump administration to cease the operation and withdraw the agents. Walz also requested that the state lead the investigation rather than federal agencies.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey questioned the necessity of further fatalities to halt the operation, urging President Donald Trump to withdraw federal agents to restore safety. He has requested the Minnesota National Guard to assist local law enforcement and plans to file a declaration for a temporary restraining order against ICE’s activities.
Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have voiced their outrage, demanding the removal of DHS agents and accountability for those responsible. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar highlighted the challenges faced by local police, with schools closed and children in hiding due to federal operations. She called for ICE’s removal from the state and urged congressional Republicans to take a stand.
The Border Patrol Union defended its agents, stating they are “trained extremely well to protect themselves, their fellow agents, and innocent third parties.” Tensions have escalated in the state amid the administration’s immigration crackdown and allegations of large-scale fraud linked to publicly subsidized day care centers, which local officials have denied.
The situation worsened after an ICE officer fatally shot an American woman in Minneapolis earlier this month. President Trump defended the enforcement tactics of immigration agents, acknowledging potential excessive force but justifying their actions due to the inherent dangers.