Federal agents fatally shot a 37-year-old nurse in Minneapolis as he tried to protect a woman

UNITED STATES — A federal immigration officer fatally shot a 37‑year‑old man in Minneapolis on 24 January 2026, in an operation that has intensified public scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement and comes shortly after another controversial fatal shooting by a Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in the same city.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described the shooting as defensive. But bystander videos and widespread online commentary now challenge that version of events.

According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the man was a “lawful gun owner with a permit to carry” and had no criminal record beyond traffic violations. Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse, was identified by his parents.

DHS account disputed by video and witness reactions

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that agents fired “defensive shots” after a man with a handgun “violently resisted” efforts to disarm him. Officials have not yet released footage supporting this claim.

However, video clips recorded by multiple bystanders at the scene, now circulating widely online, depict a markedly different sequence. Crowd witnesses and commenters assert that Pretti had already been disarmed, pepper-sprayed, and taken to the ground before being shot.

One widely shared clip shows several officers surrounding Pretti while he is on his hands and knees with both arms visible, as one agent appears to retrieve an object—reportedly a handgun—from his waistband before backing away.

The video’s release prompted an outpouring of reactions online, including some of the following key observations from viewers:

• “They piled on him, forced him into a submissive posture where he was no threat. And then executed him in front of a crowd filming it all.”

• “He was sprayed with mace in the eyes before even being taken down.”

• “They disarmed him, and one agent is seen running off with the gun before the shots were fired.”

• “His hands never leave the ground—he appears to be shielding his face, not resisting.”

In one video segment, a bystander can be heard saying, “He was just helping that lady they pushed down.” Others claim that the entire confrontation began when Pretti stepped between ICE agents and a woman being grabbed or shoved by officers.

Lawmakers cite video evidence, call for accountability

Members of Congress who have viewed the footage publicly condemned the shooting and called for immediate oversight.

Representative Angie Craig stated:

“I have seen with my own eyes the video of another horrific killing by ICE agents this morning in Minneapolis. This is sickening. The agency is beyond out of control.”

Senator Amy Klobuchar added:

“Watch the horrific video of the killing today. The world is watching.”

Both lawmakers’ comments suggest the footage contradicts DHS’s assertion that lethal force was necessary.

Governor Walz condemns “organised brutality”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has accused federal agents of carrying out what he called a “campaign of organised brutality,” stating:

“The federal occupation of Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. It is a campaign of organised brutality against the people of our state.”

Walz announced that Minnesota, not federal authorities, will lead the investigation into Pretti’s death, citing previous federal refusals to cooperate following the 7 January shooting of Renee Good by ICE agents.

Protests intensify, community builds memorial

In the aftermath of the shooting, large crowds formed near the scene, with mourners placing candles and flowers at a makeshift memorial. Angry protesters confronted DHS officers at the site, where one officer was filmed mocking the crowd. Another agent was captured shoving a protester into a vehicle.

Local store owner Allison Bross opened her shop to demonstrators seeking shelter from the cold:

“We’re a community-based business. If we hear someone in our neighbourhood is getting hurt, I’m going to be here immediately.”

The Minnesota National Guard has been activated to support law enforcement, particularly near the Whipple Federal Building, which has been the centre of regular protests since early January.

Political fallout mounts as DHS resists

In Washington, political divisions have widened sharply. Senators Jacky Rosen, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Brian Schatz have all stated they will oppose funding legislation for DHS.

Congressman Bennie Thompson, ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, has called for the impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, saying:

“This is un-American and has to stop.”

Former President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, praised the officers and claimed Pretti was armed and dangerous, describing the event as necessary self-defence. Vice President JD Vance similarly blamed local leaders for refusing to coordinate with ICE agents.

Questions remain unanswered

As of now, DHS has not commented on the growing body of video evidence or the allegations made by bystanders. The federal agency has not clarified whether Pretti’s gun was drawn, nor explained why some footage appears to show an officer removing his weapon before shots were fired.

Legal experts and rights organisations have demanded an independent inquiry. The State of Minnesota has filed suit against DHS, and the ACLU has also launched a separate complaint.

Pretti’s killing occurred less than three weeks after 37‑year‑old Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent on 7 January, a case that sparked protests and national attention.