A tragic incident involving federal immigration officers has unfolded in Minneapolis, leading to the death of a U.S. citizen and sparking large protests in a city still reeling from another fatal shooting earlier this month. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the man was armed and “violently resisted” arrest, but the department has remained tight-lipped on further details.
Shooting Outside Doughnut Shop Triggers Outrage
For the second instance this month, federal immigration agents in Minneapolis have been involved in a fatal shooting. The incident occurred outside a local doughnut shop, prompting immediate protests.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: (Chanting) ICE out now. ICE out now. ICE out now.
Tension in Minneapolis
The latest shooting has intensified tensions in the city. The Trump administration and local authorities are currently engaged in a blame game over the incident. NPR’s Jennifer Ludden is in Minneapolis monitoring the situation.
JENNIFER LUDDEN, BYLINE: Hello, Sarah.
MCCAMMON: Can you tell us what happened this morning?
LUDDEN: DHS has indicated an ongoing investigation with more details forthcoming. The immigration agent in charge described the shooting as self-defense. Gregory Bovino explained that agents were seeking an undocumented immigrant wanted for violent assault when another individual approached them armed and resisted disarmament. Here is Bovino’s statement:
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GREGORY BOVINO: This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement. Then about 200 rioters arrived at the scene and began to obstruct and assault law enforcement.
LUDDEN: However, a bystander video reveals multiple federal agents, seemingly at least six, wrestling a person to the ground, striking him, followed by the sound of numerous gunshots—approximately 10 rounds in a few seconds. The video does not clarify whether the deceased had brandished a weapon.
The individual, identified as a 37-year-old white male U.S. citizen with no criminal history, carried a lawful firearm permit. His family identified him to the Associated Press as Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the VA. They mentioned he was upset over the ICE operations and had protested a previous fatal shooting involving another person, Renee Good, earlier this month.
On-the-Ground Reactions
MCCAMMON: The border patrol commander mentioned “rioters” at the scene. What did you observe?
LUDDEN: An NPR producer and I arrived as word spread. Many people gathered to protest, spanning several blocks. I did not witness any rioting. Local police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, citing it as a crime scene.
Linda Gotlieb, a health care worker present at the scene, expressed her frustration with ongoing federal operations:
LINDA GOTLIEB: They’re trying to have the narrative be that the people are the aggressors. But we have seen on video and we’ve heard people testify to the fact that, no, they are being illegally detained and assaulted and sustaining injuries. And this is absolutely counter to everything our country stands for.
Just yesterday, thousands marched peacefully downtown demanding the removal of some 3,000 federal immigration agents from the city.
Political Reactions
MCCAMMON: How has the Trump administration responded?
LUDDEN: The administration quickly labeled the deceased a “domestic terrorist” and blamed state and local officials for the incident. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed distrust in the federal investigation, stating the State Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is being blocked by DHS from the scene. He emphasized justice for Minnesotans:
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TIM WALZ: We continue to hear – and we heard it from the vice president – that these folks can do whatever they want. They can have full immunity. And what I’m telling you is they will not. There will be justice to Minnesotans.
Walz mentioned the state is compiling evidence for potential future prosecution of federal agents.
Concerns of Escalation
MCCAMMON: How are authorities preparing for potential escalation?
LUDDEN: Concerns are growing. Governor Walz has called in the Minnesota National Guard to support local police in managing protests. President Trump has accused state leaders of inciting insurrection and has 2,000 active-duty soldiers on standby.
MCCAMMON: NPR’s Jennifer Ludden. Thank you.
LUDDEN: Thank you.
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