HSI Leads Investigation into Alex Pretti’s Fatal Shooting
Federal authorities are currently investigating the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The investigation is led by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel. HSI is being supported by the FBI and is conducting an internal review alongside the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Details of the Incident
A 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Alex Pretti was shot by an ICE agent around 9 a.m. local time on Saturday in south Minneapolis. This event marks a troubling trend, as Pretti is the second person shot by ICE agents in that area within weeks. Officials have stated that both shooting incidents involved claims of self-defense by the agents involved.
HSI’s Role in the Investigation
The decision to assign HSI as the lead investigator is seen as atypical. Historically, HSI has focused on crimes related to immigration and international violations. Concerns have emerged among law enforcement professionals regarding HSI’s capability to manage the complexities of an officer-involved shooting investigation, which usually requires specialized skills such as:
- Ballistics analysis
- Forensic processing
- Firearm examinations
- Video review
- Witness canvassing
Director Patel emphasized that the investigation will highlight “mostly scientific evidence,” including key physical details related to the firearm used in the shooting.
Controversies and Eyewitness Accounts
Critics of the current investigation approach argue that it presents a conflict of interest. A former senior ICE official pointed out that traditionally, investigations involving law enforcement personnel should be handled by an independent agency, not one within the same department involved in the incident.
In an official statement, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem alleged that Pretti threatened officers with a handgun. However, eyewitness accounts and video evidence portray a different narrative. Videos verified by CBS News reveal that Pretti was holding a phone, not a gun, just before the shooting occurred. Furthermore, witnesses have stated in sworn declarations that Pretti did not approach the officers aggressively.
Legal Context and Public Response
Under Minnesota law, carrying a handgun in public with a valid permit is legal. Local authorities confirmed that Pretti had a permit to carry and that his previous interactions with law enforcement were limited to traffic violations.
Eyewitness testimonies continue to question the official accounts of the events leading to Pretti’s death. As the investigation proceeds, scrutiny of both the actions of the agents involved and the investigatory processes will likely intensify.
