A medical professional who witnessed the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has made troubling claims about how federal agents responded after the encounter, alleging that officers focused on counting gunshot wounds rather than providing emergency medical care.
The incident occurred less than a month after another fatal encounter involving federal immigration enforcement. On January 7, 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was killed during an ICE operation, intensifying public scrutiny of federal law enforcement tactics. Now, the death of Alex Pretti — also 37 — has further escalated national concern.
Pretti, an ICU nurse, was in Minneapolis during ongoing demonstrations related to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. Federal agents have been active in the area for weeks as part of broader immigration operations.
Fatal Encounter Captured on Video
Video footage recorded from multiple angles shows Pretti being shot by ICE agents during a confrontation that appeared to escalate rapidly. According to available recordings, Pretti was restrained at the time shots were fired.
Following the incident, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement asserting that the agent involved acted in self-defense and that Pretti was carrying a handgun.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara later stated that Pretti was believed to be a lawful gun owner and held a valid permit to carry.
No Evidence of Intent to Harm, Family Says
As of now, no publicly released evidence indicates that Pretti intended to harm law enforcement officers. His family has strongly disputed claims suggesting otherwise and has called for transparency and accountability.
A key eyewitness — a physician whose statement has been submitted in federal court — said they did not observe Pretti threatening officers with a weapon.
“I saw him yelling at the ICE agents, but I did not see him attack the agents or brandish a weapon of any kind,” the physician stated.
The witness described seeing an ICE agent push Pretti to the ground, after which multiple agents aimed firearms at him.
“I then saw the agents shoot the man at least six or seven times,” the statement continued.
Alleged Failure to Provide Medical Aid
The physician further stated that after the shooting, they attempted to render medical assistance but were disturbed by the actions taken by federal agents at the scene.
According to the statement, agents appeared to be counting Pretti’s gunshot wounds rather than checking for vital signs or administering CPR.
“I was confused as to why the victim was positioned on his side,” the doctor said. “That is not standard medical practice. Checking for a pulse and providing life-saving care is standard. Instead, the agents appeared to be counting his bullet wounds.”
These claims have raised serious questions about post-incident medical response and adherence to emergency care protocols during law enforcement operations.
Conflicting Claims and Ongoing Investigation
Federal officials have stated that Pretti posed a severe threat to officers, while his family and witnesses have rejected that characterization. Pretti’s relatives have urged the public to help ensure that all evidence — including video footage and eyewitness testimony — is fully examined.
The case has become part of a broader national conversation about use-of-force standards, medical response obligations, and federal accountability during enforcement actions.
As investigations continue, community leaders and civil rights advocates are calling for an independent review to determine whether proper procedures were followed before and after the shooting.