“He’s Got a Gun!”: Newly Released Video Reveals Fatal Federal Shooting During Minneapolis Immigration Arrest

| January 25, 2026 | Entertainment | No Comments

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — Newly surfaced video footage is providing new insight into the moments leading up to a fatal shooting by federal agents during an immigration-related arrest in South Minneapolis.

The disturbing videos, recorded by bystanders, capture close-range angles of a tense confrontation that unfolded early Saturday morning, Jan. 24, near West 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. Federal officers were attempting to detain a man later identified as 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti when the situation rapidly escalated.

Chaotic Scene Captured on Camera

The footage begins with protesters standing in the street as approximately six federal agents force Pretti to the ground on an icy roadway. A woman filming the encounter can be heard shouting in shock as officers struggle to restrain him.

“What is wrong with you?” the woman yells repeatedly as agents swarm the man, pinning him to the pavement while he appears to resist.

Moments later, gunfire erupts. An officer is seen discharging multiple rounds in quick succession after shouting that Pretti was armed. The woman recording the scene screams in horror as Pretti collapses and remains motionless.

After the shots are fired, agents are seen backing away while keeping their weapons trained on Pretti before cautiously approaching his body. Bystanders can be heard calling for emergency medical help.

Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers Heard Shouting “He’s Got a Gun”

Additional video angles appear to confirm that Pretti was carrying a firearm. In the footage, officers can be heard yelling “He’s got a gun” as one agent reaches toward Pretti’s waistband during the struggle.

At one point, an officer emerges holding what authorities later identified as a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. However, questions remain about the exact sequence of events — including whether Pretti attempted to draw the weapon or if it was removed by an officer while he was already restrained.

Other footage shows Pretti holding his phone moments earlier while assisting a woman who had been pushed to the ground during the confrontation. That same woman appears to be repeatedly sprayed with a chemical agent as officers attempt to clear the area.

DHS Says Shots Were Fired in Self-Defense

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Pretti approached U.S. Border Patrol officers while armed.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the incident during a press conference Saturday night, describing the shooting as a defensive response.

“Officers attempted to disarm the individual, but the suspect reacted violently,” Noem said. “Fearing for their lives and the lives of others nearby, an agent fired defensive shots.”

She added that medical personnel were already on scene and attempted to provide aid, but Pretti was pronounced dead.

Investigation Ongoing

Federal authorities have not yet released full details regarding the timeline of the shooting or whether additional footage will be made public. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny over federal enforcement tactics and the use of lethal force during immigration operations.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.