Alex Pretti Fatal Shooting by Federal Agents

Minneapolis, Minnesota | January 24, 2026

Record Type: Federal use-of-force oversight failure

Current Status: 🟡 Scheduled hearings announced; no hearings held as of February 3, 2026

Case Overview

On January 24, 2026, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, was shot and killed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents during a protest against federal immigration enforcement operations.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:01 AM near the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement operation. Multiple verified videos document the sequence of events. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled Pretti's death a homicide.

Congressional leaders from both parties called for investigations. Hearings have been scheduled but not yet held as of February 3, 2026.

This overview reflects documented facts only and does not include inference or interpretation.

What Video Evidence, Official Records, and Reporting Document

Background Context:

  • Operation Metro Surge: Federal immigration enforcement operation targeting Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, launched December 2025

  • January 7, 2026: ICE agent fatally shot Renée Good, another U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis

  • January 24, 2026: Large protests ongoing in response to Good's death and immigration enforcement operations

  • Federal agents conducting targeted enforcement operation on January 24

Alex Jeffrey Pretti:

  • Age 37, U.S. citizen

  • Intensive care nurse at Minneapolis VA Medical Center since 2021

  • Employed by VA system since 2014 (initially as research assistant)

  • Registered nurse with active Minnesota license

  • Member of American Federation of Government Employees

  • Minnesota permit to carry firearm

  • No criminal record (confirmed by Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara)

  • Participated in protests following Renée Good's death

Video-Documented Sequence of Events

Multiple videos verified and analyzed by Reuters, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, ABC News, NPR, and other outlets document the following timeline:

8:57:46 AM: Federal officers preparing pepper spray canisters as protesters arrive 8:58:11 AM: Pretti holds phone toward federal officer, appearing to record nearby detention 8:58:22 AM: Second federal officer with pepper spray approaches Pretti 8:58:29 AM: Federal officer appears to push Pretti toward sidewalk 8:59:08 AM: Additional witness begins recording; Pretti continues recording with phone 8:59:24 AM: Woman pushed to ground by federal agents; another woman attempts to help 9:00 AM (approximately): Pretti moves to assist woman, puts arm around her 9:00-9:01 AM: Federal agents pepper-spray Pretti 9:01 AM: Multiple agents take Pretti to ground; physical struggle ensues 9:01 AM: Approximately six agents surround Pretti on ground 9:01 AM: One agent visibly strikes Pretti repeatedly while he is on ground 9:01 AM: Federal agent removes handgun from Pretti's waistband, moves away from scene with firearm 9:01 AM (approximately 1 second after firearm removed): Another agent draws own handgun 9:01:13 AM: First gunshot fired 9:01:13-9:01:17 AM: Total of 10 shots fired in less than 5 seconds (forensic audio analysis) 9:01 AM: Pretti declared dead at scene; later died in emergency room at Hennepin Healthcare

Key Video Evidence Findings:

  • No video shows Pretti brandishing or attempting to use his firearm

  • Videos show Pretti disarmed by agent approximately one second before first shot

  • Videos show Pretti on ground, surrounded by multiple agents when shot

  • Videos show Pretti filming with phone at beginning of encounter

  • Videos show Pretti's intervention after woman was pushed to ground

Federal Agents Involved

According to ProPublica investigation using government records:

  • Jesus Ochoa, age 43, CBP agent, from South Texas

  • Raymundo Gutierrez, age 35, CBP officer, from South Texas

  • Both identified as agents who shot Pretti

  • Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino refused to publicly identify agents

Official Statements

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (January 24, 2026): "Pretti arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement."

Noem also stated Pretti "approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun," "attacked" officers, "brandished" a firearm, showed up to "impede a law enforcement operation," and called it an example of "domestic terrorism."

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller (via social media): Referenced an "assassin" and "domestic terrorist" and described Pretti as a "would-be assassin" who "tried to murder federal law enforcement."

Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino (January 24-25, 2026): Stated Pretti was trying to "massacre law enforcement." Described the agents as "the victims." Refused to publicly identify agents involved.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (Trump-appointed, January 24, 2026): "If a U.S. citizen approaches law enforcement with a gun, federal officers will be legally justified in shooting you."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (January 26, 2026): Distanced President Trump from Miller and Noem's characterizations. "I have not heard the president characterize Mr. Pretti in that way. However, I have heard the president say he wants to let the facts and the investigation lead itself."

President Donald Trump (January 27, 2026): "Well, you know we're doing a big investigation. I'm going to be watching over it. I want a very honorable and honest investigation. I want to see it myself."

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (January 24, 2026): Called DHS's self-defense narrative "nonsense" and "lies." Activated Minnesota National Guard on January 24.

Congressional Statements

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA): "The events in Minneapolis are incredibly disturbing. The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake. There must be a full joint federal and state investigation. We can trust the American people with the truth."

Senator Tina Smith (D-MN): Accused the administration of a "cover-up." "Our state investigators had to get a warrant to have access to the evidence of the shooting of Alex Pretti. And even then, the federal agents refused to give them access to the evidence. So this looks very much like another cover-up."

Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA): Argued the "only debate" is whether it was "murder or execution." "I've seen a bunch of federal cowards killing a brave American patriot, someone who served veterans like myself in a VA hospital, someone who is trying to protect a fellow American citizen exercising her First Amendment rights, someone who had every Second Amendment right to carry a weapon."

Representative James Comer (R-KY), House Oversight Committee Chairman: Suggested Trump remove ICE from Minneapolis because local law enforcement aren't cooperating.

Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY): "Carrying a firearm is not a death sentence, it's a Constitutionally protected God-given right, and if you don't understand this you have no business in law enforcement or government."

Senator John Curtis (R-UT): Called Noem's response "premature," noting her comments came "before all the facts were known and weakened confidence." Stated: "We must have a transparent, independent investigation into the Minnesota shooting, and those responsible—no matter their title—must be held accountable."

Additional Republican Senators Calling for Investigation:

  • Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)

  • Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID)

  • Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)

  • Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

  • Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK): "Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American—especially, as video footage appears to show, after the victim had been disarmed."

Family Statements

Michael Pretti (father, via Associated Press): His son participated in protests because he "cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE."

Susan Pretti (mother, via Associated Press): Described son as passionate about the environment who "took his dog everywhere he went."

Both parents stated they were "sickened" by Trump administration officials suggesting their son was a "domestic terrorist."

Official Documents and Reports

DHS Report to House Oversight Committee (January 28, 2026):

  • Two federal officers discharged firearms during shooting

  • Does not state whether both agents struck Pretti

  • "A BPA yelled 'He's got a gun!' multiple times" during struggle

  • "After the shooting, a BPA advised he had possession of Pretti's firearm"

  • Does not specify when exactly agents secured Pretti's firearm

  • Does not say Pretti attempted to reach for his weapon

  • States agents "attempted to take Pretti into custody" after woman ran to him for help

  • "Pretti resisted CBP personnel's efforts and a struggle ensued"

Hennepin County Medical Examiner Report:

  • Cause of death: Homicide

  • Pretti "shot by law enforcement officer(s)"

  • Died in emergency room at Hennepin Healthcare

Oversight Authority That Existed

At the time of the incident, the following bodies held relevant jurisdiction:

House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman: Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) Ranking Member: Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) Authority: Oversight over DHS, CBP, ICE; subpoena power; hearing authority

House Committee on the Judiciary Chairman: Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) Ranking Member: Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) Authority: Federal law enforcement conduct; DOJ decision-making; civil rights enforcement; subpoena power

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman: Representative James Comer (R-KY) Ranking Member: Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA) Authority: Broad oversight of federal agencies; subpoena power

Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman: Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Ranking Member: Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) Authority: DHS operations and enforcement practices; subpoena power

Senate Committee on the Judiciary Chairman: Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) Ranking Member: Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) Authority: DOJ actions and civil rights enforcement; subpoena power

Actions Announced But Not Yet Taken

Congressional Hearings Scheduled:

  • House Homeland Security Committee hearing scheduled for February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM Witnesses: Todd Lyons (Acting ICE Director), Rodney Scott (CBP Commissioner), Joseph Edlow (USCIS Director) Status as of February 3, 2026: Not yet held

  • Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing scheduled for February 12, 2026 Witnesses: Same three officials Status as of February 3, 2026: Not yet held

NOTE: Both hearings were scheduled before Pretti's death. Chairman Garbarino and Senator Paul's initial letters requesting testimony did not mention Pretti or Good by name.

Document Requests Issued:

  • House Judiciary Committee Democrats (Ranking Member Jamie Raskin) sent letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi on January 27, 2026 Requested: Documents about investigation of Pretti killing and Renée Good killing Deadline: Monday, February 2, 2026 Status as of February 3, 2026: No public documentation of response

Actions Taken by Other Entities

Federal Investigations Announced:

  • ICE Homeland Security Investigations unit investigating (per FBI Director Kash Patel)

  • Current and former law enforcement officials told CBS News this is unusual; HSI typically doesn't investigate officer shootings

State-Level Actions:

  • Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigation

  • State sued federal government for allegedly blocking BCA access to scene

  • Federal judge issued order barring DHS from "destroying or altering evidence"

  • Governor Tim Walz activated Minnesota National Guard on January 24

Other Federal Actions:

  • DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced January 27, 2026: Body-worn cameras to be issued to all Homeland Security officers on the ground

  • Secretary announced program expanding nationwide as funding becomes available

Oversight Actions Not Documented

As of February 3, 2026, the following actions are not documented in committee schedules, official records, or the Congressional Record:

Congressional Hearings Held:

  • No hearings convened on Pretti shooting

  • No hearings held with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

  • No hearings with Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino

  • No hearings with agents Jesus Ochoa or Raymundo Gutierrez

  • No oversight hearings on Operation Metro Surge

  • February 10 and February 12 hearings scheduled but not yet held

Investigations Initiated:

  • No formal committee investigations announced

  • No joint committee investigations

  • No inspector general investigations publicly announced

  • No independent investigations commissioned by Congress

Evidence Collection and Review:

  • No subpoenas issued for video evidence

  • No subpoenas issued for body camera footage (if it exists)

  • No subpoenas issued for radio communications

  • No subpoenas issued for operational plans for January 24

  • No public examination of ballistics evidence

  • No public examination of autopsy findings

  • No interviews with eyewitnesses conducted by Congress

Witness Testimony:

  • No testimony from agents involved

  • No testimony from Border Patrol Commander Bovino

  • No testimony from DHS Secretary Noem on this specific incident

  • No testimony from eyewitnesses to shooting

  • No testimony from medical personnel who treated Pretti

  • No testimony from Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara

Document Production:

  • No operational plans released

  • No body camera footage released (if exists)

  • No communications records released

  • No after-action reports released

Reports and Findings:

  • No committee reports issued

  • No findings of fact published

  • No legislative recommendations issued

  • Exception: House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia released Democratic report on February 3, 2026 (see below)

Accountability Actions:

  • No referrals for prosecution

  • No disciplinary actions announced for agents

  • No policy changes mandated by Congress

  • No funding restrictions enacted

Democratic Report Released

House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-CA) released report on February 3, 2026 titled "Ranking Member Robert Garcia Releases Report on Killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti."

Key findings from Democratic report:

  • "The killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti could have been prevented, and they should both still be alive."

  • Alleged Trump Administration "lied over and over again and are now trying to cover up the truth"

  • Identified "Lie #1: The Available Evidence Contradicts the Administration's Claims that Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti Impeded ICE Operations"

  • Identified "Lie #2: The Available Evidence Contradicts the Administration's Claims that Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti were Violent Domestic Terrorists Who Intended to Kill Federal Agents"

  • Alleged Trump Administration "attempting to cover up misconduct"

  • Alleged administration "impeding thorough and impartial investigations"

NOTE: This was a minority (Democratic) report, not an official committee report.

Timeline

Pre-Incident:

  • December 2025: Operation Metro Surge begins in Minneapolis-St. Paul area

  • January 7, 2026: ICE agent fatally shoots Renée Good in Minneapolis

  • January 7-24, 2026: Large protests in Minneapolis against federal immigration operations

  • January 18, 2026: Protest inside Cities Church in St. Paul

January 24, 2026 - Day of Shooting:

  • Approximately 9:01 AM: Pretti shot and killed by CBP agents

  • Later January 24: National Guard activated by Governor Walz

  • January 24 evening: Candlelight vigils across Twin Cities

  • NBA game (Timberwolves vs Warriors) postponed

Immediate Aftermath (January 24-28):

  • January 24-25: DHS Secretary Noem and Deputy Chief of Staff Miller characterize Pretti as domestic terrorist/assassin

  • January 24-26: Video evidence published by multiple news outlets

  • January 25: GoFundMe for Pretti family reaches $1 million

  • January 26: Protests outside hotel where ICE agents staying

  • January 26: White House Press Secretary Leavitt distances Trump from Noem/Miller rhetoric

  • January 26: Multiple Republican senators call for investigation

  • January 26: House Homeland Security Democratic field hearing in New Orleans addresses incident

  • January 27: Trump says he wants "very honorable and honest investigation"

  • January 27: DHS Secretary Noem announces body-worn camera program expansion

  • January 28: DHS report to House Oversight Committee indicates two agents fired weapons

  • January 28: Bruce Springsteen releases song "Streets of Minneapolis"

Congressional Actions (January 26-February 3):

  • January 26: Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) sends letters to ICE, CBP, USCIS heads requesting February 12 testimony

  • January 26: Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) requests testimony from same officials

  • January 27: House Judiciary Democrats (Ranking Member Raskin) send letter to AG Bondi requesting documents by February 2

  • January 27-28: Senate Homeland Security Committee Democrats demand Noem appear for testimony

  • January 29: VA Secretary Doug Collins testifies before Senate committee; questioned about his response to Pretti's death

  • January 28: Hennepin County Medical Examiner rules death homicide

  • February 3: House Oversight Ranking Member Garcia releases Democratic report

  • As of February 3: Scheduled hearings not yet held

Sources

Primary Official Records:

  • Hennepin County Medical Examiner Report

  • DHS Report to House Oversight Committee (January 28, 2026)

  • Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigation (ongoing)

  • Federal court order barring evidence destruction

Congressional Records:

Video Evidence and Analysis (Three-Source Verification Standard Met):

News Reporting:

Verification Notes

Video Evidence:

  • Multiple independent news organizations verified and analyzed video footage

  • ABC News published minute-by-minute timeline based on verified video

  • Forensic audio analysis confirmed 10 shots in less than 5 seconds

  • Multiple camera angles reviewed by Reuters, BBC, WSJ, AP, CNN, ABC

  • All major news outlets confirm no video shows Pretti brandishing firearm

  • Video clearly shows agent removing Pretti's firearm before shots fired

Official Statements:

  • DHS Secretary Noem statements verified through multiple news sources and video

  • Stephen Miller statements verified through social media posts and news reporting

  • Congressional statements verified through direct quotes in news reporting

  • Trump statement verified through ABC News video coverage

Medical Examiner:

  • Hennepin County Medical Examiner report confirming homicide ruling verified by multiple news sources

Agent Identification:

  • ProPublica investigation identified agents through government records

  • Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez names published by multiple outlets

Scheduled Hearings:

  • February 10 House hearing confirmed by Chairman Garbarino statement

  • February 12 Senate hearing confirmed by Senator Paul letters

  • CBS News, NBC News, and other outlets confirmed hearing schedules

Congressional Actions:

  • Letters and document requests confirmed through news reporting

  • Garcia Democratic report confirmed through House Oversight Committee website

  • Hearing schedules verified through multiple congressional reporting sources

Oversight Status

Status: 🟡 Scheduled hearings announced; no hearings held

Criteria for Status Assessment:

Hearings Scheduled But Not Held:

  • House Homeland Security Committee: February 10, 2026 (scheduled)

  • Senate Homeland Security Committee: February 12, 2026 (scheduled)

  • Status as of February 3, 2026: Neither hearing has occurred

Limitations on Scheduled Hearings:

  • Hearing requests sent before Pretti's death

  • Original letters from Garbarino and Paul did not mention Pretti or Good

  • Witnesses are agency heads, not agents involved in shooting

  • No DHS Secretary Noem testimony scheduled

  • No Border Patrol Commander Bovino testimony scheduled

  • No agents involved scheduled to testify

Oversight Actions Completed to Date:

  • Bipartisan calls for investigation

  • Document requests issued (responses not yet public)

  • Democratic minority report released

  • Public statements from numerous members of Congress

Oversight Actions Not Yet Documented:

  • No hearings held

  • No formal investigations announced by committees

  • No subpoenas issued for evidence

  • No testimony taken under oath

  • No committee reports issued (only minority report)

  • No findings of fact

  • No legislative action

Comparison to Typical Federal Use-of-Force Oversight:

  • Substantial media documentation exists

  • Bipartisan concern expressed

  • But no formal hearings yet convened despite two weeks elapsed

  • Scheduled hearings were requested before incident occurred

  • Limited scope (agency heads, not involved personnel)

This status subject to change as scheduled hearings occur and additional oversight actions taken.

Related Records

  • Renée Good, Minneapolis, January 7, 2026

  • Operation Metro Surge Documentation

  • Federal Immigration Enforcement Oversight

  • Constitutional Use-of-Force Cases

Transparency Statement

This documentation records publicly available information and verified reporting regarding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and congressional oversight responses. It identifies authority that exists to conduct oversight and documents which actions have been scheduled versus which have been completed.

All factual claims regarding the shooting sequence are based on video evidence verified by multiple independent news organizations. Official statements are presented as reported by news sources. Congressional actions are documented through official announcements and news reporting.

The documentation does not assert legal conclusions regarding justification for use of force, criminal liability, or civil rights violations. Those determinations are left to appropriate investigative and judicial processes.

This documentation is maintained as part of CAN 2026's permanent public oversight infrastructure.

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Last updated: February 3, 2026

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