Border Patrol Agent Fatally Shoots Alex Pretti, 37-Year-Old ICU Nurse, During Minneapolis Protest

Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, during a protest against Operation Metro Surge. Pretti was filming federal agents with his phone when an agent pepper-sprayed a woman nearby. When Pretti reached out to help her, approximately seven agents tackled him to the ground while he was disoriented from pepper spray. At least 10 shots were fired in approximately five seconds, including several after Pretti lay motionless. Bystander videos show Pretti holding his phone in his right hand with his left hand empty when attacked - not brandishing a weapon as DHS later claimed. Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a valid concealed carry permit but Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed the gun was not drawn. Pretti had been motivated to attend protests after witnessing Renee Nicole Good's killing by ICE on January 7. The shooting occurred near 26th Street West and Nicollet Avenue around 9 AM. Pretti died at the scene. This is the third shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis since January 7, 2026, and the second fatality.