Video Analysis Contradicts DHS Account of Fatal Minneapolis Shooting

2026-01-26 politics

Minneapolis, Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Visual evidence suggests agents removed Alex Pretti’s firearm before shooting him ten times, directly challenging the federal narrative of an armed struggle in Minneapolis.

Forensic Analysis Challenges Federal Narrative

New forensic analysis released today, Sunday, January 25, 2026, by the investigative outlet Bellingcat significantly undermines the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) justification for the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis yesterday. While DHS officials initially claimed the 37-year-old ICU nurse was killed following an “armed struggle” in which he attempted to “do maximum damage,” synchronized video evidence suggests Pretti was disarmed by agents prior to the lethal use of force [1]. For context on the initial reporting of this incident, please refer to our previous coverage: Minneapolis ICU Nurse Fatally Shot by Border Patrol Amid Federal Crackdown. The newly analyzed footage indicates that an agent in a grey jacket removed a handgun from Pretti’s waistband while he was pinned to the ground [1]. Moments later, a separate agent, identified by a black beanie, fired the first shot, followed by nine additional rounds into Pretti’s body [1]. This timeline directly contradicts the assertion that Pretti was brandishing a weapon at the moment of death, as video evidence confirms his gun was not fired during the encounter [1][3].

Visual Evidence vs. Official Statements

The disparity between the visual record and official statements has intensified scrutiny on the federal operation. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the agents’ actions on Saturday, stating the situation appeared to be one where an individual intended to “kill law enforcement” [4]. Similarly, Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino appeared on CNN today, asserting, “You don’t know he was unarmed,” and characterizing the agents as the true victims of the encounter [1]. However, the Bellingcat analysis reveals that Pretti was holding a cellphone in his right hand—not a firearm—when he was initially pepper-sprayed and tackled [1]. Furthermore, audio from the footage captures agents asking “Where’s the gun?” after the shooting had already occurred, suggesting confusion among the officers regarding the location of the weapon they had ostensibly just removed [1]. The firearm in question, a customized 9mm Sig Sauer P320, matches the weapon DHS claimed belonged to Pretti, yet the footage places it in the possession of federal agents before the shots were fired [1].

Witness Accounts and Medical Response

Corroborating the video analysis, civilian witnesses have come forward to dispute the federal account. One witness stated in a sworn declaration that Pretti never reached for a weapon before being thrown to the ground by four or five agents [6]. A pediatrician who attempted to intervene at the scene reported that agents prevented immediate medical aid; the physician noted that agents did not perform CPR and appeared to be counting bullet wounds on Pretti’s body rather than rendering assistance [3][6]. The witness observed at least three gunshot wounds to Pretti’s back, alongside wounds to his chest and neck [6]. This lack of immediate medical intervention stands in stark contrast to the rapid escalation of force described by DHS. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Pretti, a nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital, was a lawful gun owner with no criminal record [1][4].

Escalating Tensions and Political Fallout

The release of this contradictory evidence has triggered a volatile political standoff between Minnesota state officials and the federal government. Following the shooting, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activated the National Guard to support local law enforcement as protests erupted across Minneapolis, Seattle, Portland, and New York City [3]. The tension is further compounded by reports that federal agents denied the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) access to the crime scene despite a warrant [3]. On the federal level, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche admitted on Meet the Press that the Department of Justice does “not know” if Pretti was unarmed, citing the ongoing investigation [1]. Meanwhile, DHS Secretary Noem’s characterization of Pretti as a threat continues to fuel public outrage, particularly given the video evidence showing shots were fired at Pretti’s motionless body [1][4]. As of today, the Minnesota Timberwolves game remains postponed, and local officials are seeking legal avenues to halt the federal crackdown [3][4].

Sources

Law Enforcement Homeland Security