Photo: Alamy
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Saturday defended the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man by a Border Patrol agent, calling the incident an act of self-defense during a federal immigration enforcement operation.
Noem said the man, identified as 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse and U.S. citizen, arrived at the scene armed and attempted to interfere with officers carrying out their duties.
“This individual showed up to impede a law enforcement operation and assaulted our officers,” Noem told reporters. “They responded according to their training and took action to defend the officer’s life and those of the public around him.”
Noem also criticized Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing them of fueling unrest by refusing to cooperate with federal authorities.
“Gov. Walz today, in his press conference, said that our officers were not even law enforcement, which is a lie,” Noem said. “He’s called them the Gestapo, he’s encouraged residents and citizens and violent rioters to resist.”
The incident marks the third shooting involving federal officials in Minneapolis since Jan. 7, when 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot during an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. ICE has said Good struck an agent with her vehicle while attempting to flee, prompting defensive gunfire.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti had a valid permit to carry a firearm.
The shooting sparked large protests in south Minneapolis, with demonstrators blocking streets, building barricades and lighting fires. Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist local authorities, citing concerns about escalating violence.
The investigation into Saturday’s shooting remains ongoing. “We’re looking, we’re reviewing everything and will come out with a determination,” President Trump told the Wall Street Journal over the weekend.
“I don’t like any shooting. I don’t like it,” President Trump also said. “But I don’t like it when somebody goes into a protest and he’s got a very powerful, fully loaded gun with two magazines loaded up with bullets also. That doesn’t play good either.”