DHS Tells Congress Two Federal Officers Fired Shots in Killing of Alex Pretti

MINNEAPOLIS — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has formally notified Congress that two federal officers fired their weapons during the encounter that killed 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti on Saturday. This disclosure, made in a notice sent to lawmakers on Tuesday, adds a new layer of complexity to an investigation already fraught with conflicting narratives and mounting public outrage.

New Details in the Congressional Notice

According to the report obtained by several news outlets, the two officers involved are members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). While the initial DHS statements characterized the incident as a single agent firing "defensive shots," the update to Congress confirms a higher volume of gunfire.

Notably, the notice to Congress reportedly does not mention Pretti "reaching for his firearm," a detail that was central to early justifications provided by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino.

The Conflict Between Official Statements and Video Evidence

The DHS's initial account claimed that Pretti "approached" officers with a 9mm handgun and "violently resisted" attempts to disarm him. However, several bystander videos that have circulated widely on social media tell a different story:

• Documenting the Scene: Videos show Pretti using his phone to film federal agents conducting an immigration operation.

• Attempting to Help: Pretti is seen stepping in to assist a woman who had been shoved to the ground by an officer. He appears to be holding only his phone at this moment.

• The Struggle: After being pepper-sprayed, Pretti was tackled by approximately half a dozen agents.

• The Gun: Witness footage and social media "community notes" suggest that Pretti’s firearm—which he was licensed to carry—remained in its holster until an agent removed it during the scuffle. Moments after he was disarmed, he was shot multiple times.

Political and Social Fallout

The killing of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and VA hospital nurse with no criminal record, has unified a broad spectrum of critics.

• Bipartisan Scrutiny: While the Trump administration has defended the agents' actions, some Republicans, including Senators Bill Cassidy and Thom Tillis, have joined Democrats in calling for a transparent, joint federal and state investigation.

• Gun Rights Concerns: The NRA and Representative Thomas Massie have expressed concern over the "demonization" of a law-abiding gun owner, with Massie stating that "carrying a firearm is not a death sentence."

• Leadership Changes: The news follows the recent demotion of Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is also reportedly facing internal scrutiny over her department's handling of the incident.

Context of Federal Operations in Minneapolis

Pretti is the second U.S. citizen to be killed by federal forces in Minneapolis this month, following the shooting of Renee Good on January 7. These incidents have sparked daily protests and led Governor Tim Walz to activate the Minnesota National Guard to maintain order.

The investigation into Pretti's death is currently being led by state authorities, though local officials have noted a lack of cooperation from federal agencies regarding access to evidence and body camera footage.

Sources:

• CBS News: "Two federal agents fired their weapons during Alex Pretti shooting, government report to Congress says"

• Associated Press: "DHS tells Congress 2 federal officers fired shots during encounter that killed Alex Pretti"

• PBS NewsHour: "A second U.S. citizen was killed by federal forces in Minneapolis. Here's what we know"