Two Federal Agents Fired in Alex Pretti Shooting, Report Reveals

DHS Report Confirms Two Officers Discharged Weapons in Fatal Minneapolis Incident

A preliminary Department of Homeland Security report obtained by Congress reveals that two federal agents fired their weapons during the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. The report from Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility states that a Border Patrol agent and a CBP officer discharged their agency-issued firearms approximately five seconds after an agent yelled 'He's got a gun!' multiple times during a struggle with Pretti.

Contradictory Accounts Emerge

The 37-year-old Pretti, who worked at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was attending protests against federal immigration enforcement when the incident occurred. According to the DHS report, agents were attempting to move Pretti and another individual from a roadway when they deployed pepper spray and tried to take him into custody. 'The subject resisted the attempts of CBP personnel, after which a struggle ensued,' the report states.

However, video analysis by CNN suggests an agent may have removed Pretti's firearm from his waistband before shots were fired. The report notably does not mention Pretti reaching for his weapon, contradicting earlier statements from DHS officials who claimed he approached agents with a 9mm handgun.

Political Fallout Intensifies

The incident has sparked significant political controversy, with Democratic leaders in Congress calling for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's resignation or impeachment. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a joint statement demanding Noem be 'fired immediately' or face impeachment proceedings.

President Trump has defended Noem, stating in an interview that he has confidence in her leadership and that her job is not currently at risk. However, even some Republican senators have joined calls for her removal following this second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis within a month.

Investigation and Evidence Questions

The report raises questions about evidence handling, noting that after the shooting, a Border Patrol agent took possession of Pretti's firearm and secured it in a vehicle. Medical personnel transported Pretti to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:32 a.m.

Customs and Border Protection, the largest federal law enforcement agency within DHS with over 45,000 employees, is required to report to Congress within three days of any fatal incident involving their personnel. This preliminary report is based on body camera footage, witness statements, and initial investigations.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has criticized federal agents' conduct and called for a state-level investigation, while protests continue in Minneapolis with residents expressing fear about federal immigration enforcement tactics.