U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has placed two agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, on administrative leave. The shooting occurred during a scuffle in Minneapolis, leading to protests across Minnesota and calls from lawmakers for accountability within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Preliminary reports suggest that during the struggle, an officer claimed Pretti had a firearm, prompting the agents to open fire.
While initial official statements suggested that Pretti was brandishing a weapon, video evidence analyzed by BBC Verify indicates no gun was visible at the time. The controversial incident has drawn sharp criticism from both parties, with calls for the resignation of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and discussions about potentially defunding the department in the upcoming government budget negotiations.
The situation continues to escalate as officials navigate the public outcry and political repercussions of the tragic event, which has intensified discussions surrounding immigration policies and law enforcement practices in the region.
While initial official statements suggested that Pretti was brandishing a weapon, video evidence analyzed by BBC Verify indicates no gun was visible at the time. The controversial incident has drawn sharp criticism from both parties, with calls for the resignation of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and discussions about potentially defunding the department in the upcoming government budget negotiations.
The situation continues to escalate as officials navigate the public outcry and political repercussions of the tragic event, which has intensified discussions surrounding immigration policies and law enforcement practices in the region.
