A series of conflicting statements from officials in President Donald Trump’s administration have emerged following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis on March 25, 2023. The incident has sparked outrage, particularly from Pretti’s family, who condemned the administration’s portrayal of their son as “sickening” and “reprehensible.”
Pretti, a registered nurse at a Veterans Affairs facility, was involved in a protest when he was shot. Initial claims from administration officials suggested that he had attacked law enforcement officers. For instance, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem characterized Pretti as having “impeded” and “attacked” officers. However, video evidence contradicts these assertions, showing Pretti directing traffic and attempting to prevent a federal agent from pushing a woman into oncoming cars.
In a subsequent interview with Fox News, US Customs and Border Protection Deputy Commissioner Ronald Patel reiterated the claim that Pretti attacked law enforcement. Yet, available footage does not support this narrative, revealing no evidence of Pretti initiating violence. Instead, he can be seen using his cell phone to record the incident and stepping in to assist others during the confrontation.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the administration’s rhetoric shifted significantly by Sunday. During a Fox News segment, Governor Noem softened her language, stating that Pretti was “laying hands” on law enforcement rather than attacking them outright. Similarly, during a CNN interview, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson John Bovino described Pretti as having “assaulted federal officers,” but was unable to point to any specific moment in the footage to substantiate this claim.
Further complicating the narrative, Noem alleged that Pretti was “brandishing” a weapon at the time of the shooting, a claim that has not been corroborated by video evidence. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Pretti was legally armed and carrying a cell phone, with no handgun visible in the footage until a federal agent removed it from Pretti’s waistband after he was subdued.
The administration has also faced criticism for labeling Pretti as a would-be assassin. Stephen Miller, a senior advisor, referred to him as “an assassin” on social media, while Noem indicated that Pretti intended to inflict “maximum damage” on law enforcement. However, no evidence has been presented to support the claim that Pretti was involved in any premeditated violence against officers.
In a notable response, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus challenged Patel’s assertion that individuals cannot carry firearms at protests in Minnesota. The group emphasized that there is no state law prohibiting permit holders from carrying a concealed weapon during peaceful demonstrations. Chief O’Hara reiterated that Pretti was exercising both his First and Second Amendment rights when he recorded the law enforcement activity.
As the investigation continues, the administration has yet to clarify or provide evidence for its claims, leading to widespread scrutiny of its handling of the situation. The inconsistencies in statements from top officials highlight the complexities surrounding the incident and underscore the need for transparency as the community seeks answers about Pretti’s death.
