Authorities have confirmed that a man shot by federal agents during an incident in Minneapolis on Saturday morning has died.
The individual was identified as Alex Pretti, 37, an intensive care unit nurse. The shooting took place shortly after 9:00 a.m. in the area of Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street, where federal personnel were conducting an operation at the time. Law enforcement secured the scene as part of the immediate response and subsequent investigation.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that agents were engaged in immigration enforcement activities when an armed man approached them. According to federal officials, agents attempted to disarm the individual, who allegedly resisted during the encounter. In the course of the confrontation, one agent discharged a firearm in what DHS described as a defensive measure. Medical responders were called, but the man was pronounced dead at the location.
DHS reported that the individual was carrying a 9mm handgun and two magazines. Further operational details have not been disclosed as the matter remains under active review.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said preliminary information indicates that the deceased was a Minneapolis resident and a U.S. citizen. He stated that the man had no known history of violent criminal offenses and was legally authorized to carry a firearm, holding a valid permit. O’Hara added that Minneapolis police officers remained at the scene to preserve evidence and assist in coordination with federal authorities as part of standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting.
The incident comes during a period of increased scrutiny over violent encounters in Minneapolis. Earlier in the month, on January 7, Renee Macklin Good, 37, a mother of three, was fatally shot while inside her vehicle after reportedly driving away from a situation involving a partially blocked roadway. In a separate episode on January 14, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celia, described as a Venezuelan national, was shot in the leg during an altercation involving immigration officials. These events have intensified public debate regarding law enforcement practices and community safety.
Reacting to recent developments, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed alarm in a public statement shared on social media, writing, “Minnesota has had it. This is sickening,” reflecting concern over the string of violent incidents.
The Minnesota Organisation of Registered Nurses also issued a statement mourning Pretti’s death, emphasizing the profound loss felt within the healthcare community. The organization described him as a caregiver and colleague whose death is being grieved beyond political considerations, highlighting the human impact of the tragedy.
Authorities have indicated that investigations into the shooting are ongoing, and additional information will be made available as the review process continues.
