On January 24, Alex Pretti, aged 37, was tragically shot and killed by federal agents during an anti-ICE demonstration in Minneapolis. The official cause of death has now been disclosed, revealing some unsettling details.
On that day, Alex Pretti was shot fatally by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was among a group of demonstrators, holding a phone, when he was forcibly taken to the ground. Shortly thereafter, multiple gunshots rang out.
Accounts of the incident differ significantly, with various members of the Trump administration supporting the agent’s actions. Pretti was labeled an “assassin” and a “domestic terrorist” by officials within the administration.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for Homeland Security, stated to the BBC: “The officers attempted to disarm the suspect, but the armed suspect violently resisted. Fearing for his life and the safety of fellow officers, an agent discharged defensive shots. Medical personnel on the scene promptly provided aid to the individual, but he was pronounced dead at the location.”
Pretti’s family released a statement shortly thereafter, asserting that the administration was being untruthful.
“The abhorrent lies propagated about our son by the administration are both reprehensible and revolting. Alex is evidently not wielding a firearm when confronted by Trump’s murderous and cowardly ICE agents,” the statement declared. “He is holding his phone in his right hand, and his unoccupied left hand is raised above his head in an attempt to shield the woman whom ICE has just knocked down, all while being subjected to pepper spray.”
Confirmation of Alex Pretti’s cause of death
The family concluded, “We urge you to disseminate the truth regarding our son. He was a good man.”
Currently, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s office has published the findings of the investigation into Alex Pretti’s death. According to the medical examiner’s report, which was acquired by People Magazine, the cause of death was identified as “multiple gunshot wounds,” with the manner of death classified as “homicide.” He passed away in the emergency room at Hennepin Healthcare.
Furthermore, the report indicated that Pretti was “shot by law enforcement officer(s).” Additionally, no other “significant conditions” that might have contributed to his death were mentioned.
While many mourned Alex Pretti, a video emerged showing the ICU nurse 11 days prior to his death, during which he had a confrontation with federal agents. He was observed kicking a federal vehicle before an agent forced him to the ground.
In a statement, attorney Steve Schleicher, representing the Pretti family, remarked, “One week prior to Alex being shot in the street — while posing no threat to anyone — he was brutally attacked by a group of ICE agents. Nothing that transpired a full week earlier could ever justify Alex’s death at the hands of ICE on January 24.”
Investigations initiated
According to NPR, the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division commenced an investigation into Alex Pretti’s death on January 30. State officials in Minnesota have indicated that they “haven’t ruled out” the possibility of filing charges against the agents involved.
In the meantime, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also initiated its own inquiry into the deadly shooting.
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