Two federal agents discharged their weapons during the fatal shooting of Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti, according to a government report sent to Congress Tuesday that provides the most comprehensive official timeline yet, while raising new questions about initial characterizations of the incident.
The report from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility, based on body camera footage and CBP documentation, makes no mention of 37-year-old Pretti attempting to reach for his legally owned 9mm handgun. The omission directly contradicts early statements from Department of Homeland Security officials who described Pretti as approaching officers with a firearm on his person.
What the Congressional Report Reveals
According to the CBP document obtained by CBS News, the incident began around 9 a.m. Saturday when a CBP officer was “confronted by two female civilians blowing whistles” during Operation Metro Surge enforcement actions near the intersection of Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street in Minneapolis.
When the officer ordered the women to move out of the roadway and they refused, he pushed them both away. One of the women ran to Pretti, and when the officer attempted to move both Pretti and the woman out of the roadway, they didn’t comply. The officer then deployed pepper spray toward both individuals.
“CBP personnel attempted to take Pretti into custody,” the report states. “Pretti resisted CBP personnel’s efforts and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, a BPA yelled, ‘He’s got a gun!’ multiple times.”
Approximately five seconds later, a Border Patrol agent discharged his CBP-issued Glock 19 and a CBP officer also discharged his CBP-issued Glock 47 at Pretti. After the shooting, a Border Patrol agent advised he had possession of Pretti’s firearm and “subsequently cleared and secured Pretti’s firearm in his vehicle.”
CBP personnel rendered medical aid at approximately 9:02 a.m., placing chest seals on Pretti’s wounds. Minneapolis Fire Department EMTs arrived at 9:05 a.m. and transported Pretti to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:32 a.m.
What Happened After the Shooting
CBP personnel immediately began rendering medical aid, cutting away Pretti’s clothing and applying chest seals. Emergency medical technicians with the Minneapolis Fire Department arrived within minutes and assumed care. Pretti was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 9:32 a.m.
An autopsy is being conducted by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office, and CBP has requested the official findings. The incident is under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, with an internal review underway by the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General has also been notified.
CBP emphasized that the information provided to Congress is based on a preliminary review of body-worn camera footage and internal documentation and may be updated as investigations continue.
Ongoing Unrest in Minneapolis
The shootings occurred during Operation Metro Surge, which DHS has called “the largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out.” The operation has drawn widespread criticism for warrantless arrests, aggressive clashes with protesters, detentions of U.S. citizens, and the use of force.
Minnesota officials have activated the National Guard at the request of local law enforcement and sought legal action to limit federal operations in the state.
