Newly released video footage is intensifying scrutiny around the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, appearing to show the 37-year-old ICU nurse spitting at federal agents and damaging a government vehicle days before his death. The incident was also highlighted by Fox News.
The video, reportedly recorded on January 13, shows a man closely resembling Pretti, with a beard and glasses, and wearing clothing similar to what he had on at the time of his death nearly two weeks later. In the footage, the man is seen shouting at agents, spitting in their direction, and repeatedly kicking the taillight of a federal SUV until it shatters.
Agents exited the vehicle and took the man to the ground as the confrontation escalated. Pepper balls and tear gas were deployed toward a nearby group of demonstrators who were also yelling at officers, and the man was later released from custody.
The earlier confrontation is now central to the debate
After his release, the video appears to show what authorities say is a firearm visible in the man’s waistband as he walks away, though he remained in the area with other demonstrators, a context similar to recent reporting on alleged ICE actions and public reaction. Pretti’s family has since confirmed that the individual shown in the January 13 footage is Alex Pretti.
Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents on January 24 2026 in Minneapolis while documenting federal immigration enforcement operations. Officials said agents were conducting enforcement activity as civilians shouted and blew whistles, and the crowd was repeatedly instructed to stay on the sidewalk to avoid interfering. Federal political fallout over similar enforcement controversies continues to unfold in Washington, like Charlie Kirk’s accused killer appealing to not show the graphical footage during the trial.
Video from the fatal encounter shows Pretti attempting to help a woman who had been knocked to the ground by agents before he was sprayed with a chemical irritant and forced onto the pavement. Authorities said Pretti resisted efforts to take him into custody, and during the struggle, an agent can be heard repeatedly shouting that he was armed.
Footage shows an agent removing what authorities described as a 9mm pistol from Pretti’s waistband, after which nearly a dozen shots were fired. Officials confirmed that one Border Patrol agent fired a CBP-issued Glock 19 and another fired a CBP-issued Glock 47.
Despite confirming Pretti’s involvement in the January 13 incident, his family disputes its relevance to the fatal shooting. Attorney Steve Schleicher said, “Nothing that happened a full week before could possibly have justified Alex’s killing at the hands of ICE on January 24,” rejecting any link between the earlier confrontation and the deadly encounter.
The shooting was the second fatal incident in Minneapolis involving federal immigration agents in recent weeks, and authorities have said investigations into the January 24 encounter remain ongoing.
Published: Jan 28, 2026 09:45 pm