A forensic body language specialist is questioning the official explanation surrounding the death of Alex Pretti, pointing to video footage that shows an ICE agent in a gray jacket removing a firearm and moving away moments before Pretti is fatally shot.
Minneapolis has again become the focus of national attention after two fatal incidents involving federal immigration enforcement in recent weeks. Following the death of Renee Nicole Good, public concern has intensified after the killing of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti during an anti-ICE demonstration on January 24.
Federal Response and White House Comments
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump defended the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation, describing the firearm authorities say Pretti carried as “extremely dangerous and unpredictable.”
“I don’t like any shooting,” Trump said in the January 25 interview. “But I also don’t like when someone enters a protest with a fully loaded gun and additional ammunition. That’s a serious public safety concern.”
DHS Claims Pretti “Brandished” a Weapon
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also defended the officers involved, stating that Pretti had interfered with law enforcement operations and “brandished” a firearm.
According to comments reported by CNN, Noem said Pretti attacked officers, possessed a weapon, and carried a large amount of ammunition, suggesting he intended to cause harm.
However, video evidence circulating online has raised questions about that characterization.
Video Footage Shows Conflicting Details
Multiple recordings from the scene do not clearly show Pretti holding a gun at any point. While he was carrying a legally owned firearm secured in a belt holster, footage appears to show him holding a mobile phone as officers surround him.
Eyewitnesses describe Pretti — a registered Veterans Affairs nurse — as attempting to comply with commands while helping another protester amid the confusion. Videos show him being pepper-sprayed and forced to the ground, with no visible indication that he drew a weapon or posed an immediate threat.
Expert Analysis Raises New Questions
The incident has now drawn analysis from Dr. G Explains, a clinical and forensic psychologist known for reviewing police encounters and use-of-force videos.
In a YouTube video examining the footage frame by frame, Dr. G stated that one ICE agent appeared to escalate the situation rather than de-escalate it.
“This is not someone attempting to slow things down,” he said, referring to an agent seen repeatedly pushing and using pepper spray on Pretti.
Dr. G also noted that after Pretti was on the ground, the same agent appeared to strike him with a pepper spray canister.
Focus on the “Man in the Gray Jacket”
Dr. G urged viewers to closely observe the actions of another officer wearing a gray jacket.
According to his analysis, when Pretti was on his knees, the agent in gray removed the firearm from Pretti’s waistband. Immediately afterward, someone can be heard shouting “gun.”
Crucially, Dr. G points out that the agent who retrieved the firearm does not appear to verbally notify other officers that Pretti had been disarmed.
“As soon as the gun is removed, it’s no longer visible,” Dr. G explained. “That’s when other agents begin aiming their weapons.”
Questionable Tactical Behavior
Dr. G further questioned why the agent who allegedly secured the firearm turned away and ran from the scene as shots were fired.
“If you truly believe someone is still armed and dangerous,” he said, “turning your back and fleeing would be a very poor tactical decision.”
He acknowledged that officers may have believed Pretti had another weapon, but emphasized that the agent’s body language did not reflect that level of perceived threat.
Calls for Transparency Grow
Dr. G’s analysis suggests discrepancies between official statements and the behavior seen on video, adding to public demands for an independent and transparent investigation into the shooting.
As federal authorities review the incident, community leaders and civil rights advocates continue to call for the release of additional footage and detailed findings.
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