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In a dramatic turn following the January 24, 2026 fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, new video evidence has emerged showing a federal immigration officer searching for a gun that had already been removed from Pretti’s possession moments after the incident.
Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed by masked federal immigration agents, sparking nationwide protests and intense scrutiny of the officers’ actions. The shooting has raised significant questions about the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death and the role his legally owned firearm may have played in the incident.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed at a news conference that Pretti’s only prior interactions with law enforcement had been for traffic tickets. O’Hara also noted that Pretti was believed to be a “lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.” This was later corroborated by Pretti’s family via The Associated Press, who stated that he owned a handgun and held a Minnesota concealed carry permit.
A key piece of evidence has come from video footage that has circulated widely across multiple social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, TikTok, and X. The authenticated clip shows two federal officers next to Pretti’s body immediately after the shooting. One officer can be heard searching Pretti’s body and asking, “Where’s the f***ing gun? Where’s the gun?” before confirming with another officer that the weapon had already been secured.
In the video, the searching officer is heard saying, “I need… I need scissors,” and identifies himself to a bystander as an EMT. After not finding the weapon, he looks up and asks a colleague standing by a vehicle, “You’ve got the gun?” to which the other officer responds, “I’ve got the gun.”
The footage was verified by Bring Me the News, a Minnesota-based online publication whose editor and co-owner, Adam Uren, confirmed to fact-checkers that one of the publication’s reporters recorded the clip. The video’s authenticity is further supported by matching vehicles, street signs, and individuals that appear in other verified footage from the scene.
Multiple major news organizations, including ABC News, The Associated Press, and The New York Times, have conducted detailed video analyses of the incident. Their investigations suggest that an officer removed a gun from Pretti seconds before shots were fired. The firearm reportedly matches one shown in a photo that the Department of Homeland Security posted on X after the shooting.
However, that DHS post included claims not supported by available video evidence, stating that the incident “looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.” This characterization has been called into question as journalists continue to analyze the timeline of events.
CNN and Sky News have similarly reported on the video showing the officer asking about the gun’s whereabouts, with Sky News describing the incident as “10 shots in 5 seconds” in their coverage of how the shooting unfolded.
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to media inquiries regarding the video and whether the agency has officially confirmed that one of its officers removed a gun from Pretti before or after the shooting occurred.
This incident follows other controversial shootings in Minneapolis that have drawn national attention, including the fatal shooting of Renee Good, indicating ongoing tensions between law enforcement and local communities.
As investigations continue, the video evidence showing an officer searching for a gun that had already been removed adds another layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding Pretti’s death and raises further questions about the federal agents’ actions during the fatal encounter.
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15 Comments
As a citizen, I’m troubled by the apparent discrepancies between the officer’s actions and the information that Pretti was a lawful gun owner. A thorough, impartial investigation is critical to upholding the rule of law and public trust.
As someone who follows the mining and energy sectors, I’m closely watching how this case unfolds. Transparency and accountability from authorities will be critical in maintaining public trust, which is essential for the healthy functioning of these industries.
As someone who follows mining and energy news, I’m concerned about the potential implications of this incident for public trust in authorities. Transparency and accountability will be key to resolving this matter.
This is a complex and emotionally charged situation. While the video raises questions, we must allow the investigation to run its course before drawing conclusions. Patience and due process are essential.
That’s a fair point. Jumping to conclusions before all the facts are known could undermine the integrity of the investigation. Hopefully it provides clarity on what transpired.
This is a deeply troubling incident that raises serious questions about the use of force by federal authorities. The video evidence is alarming and warrants a thorough, impartial investigation to uncover the full truth and ensure justice is served.
The video footage is certainly alarming and raises valid questions. However, we should withhold judgment until all the facts are known. A thorough, impartial investigation is crucial to understanding what happened.
Agreed. Jumping to conclusions without a complete picture could undermine the pursuit of justice. Patience and due process are essential in sensitive cases like this.
Disturbing footage. The federal officer’s actions raise serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding this tragic shooting. I hope a thorough investigation uncovers the full truth and brings accountability.
Agreed. The public deserves answers and transparency from authorities on what happened here. Lawful gun ownership should not be a death sentence.
As a supporter of Second Amendment rights, I’m deeply troubled by this incident. If Pretti was indeed a lawful gun owner, the officers’ actions seem extremely concerning. I hope the truth comes to light.
Well said. Lawful firearm ownership must be respected, and the use of lethal force should always be an absolute last resort. This case warrants rigorous scrutiny.
While the video evidence is certainly concerning, we must be cautious about rushing to judgment. A comprehensive investigation is needed to ensure all the facts are fully understood before any conclusions are drawn. Patience and due process are essential in cases like this.
This is a very troubling incident that deserves close scrutiny. The actions of the federal officer in the video are deeply concerning and raise serious questions about the use of force. I hope the investigation provides much-needed clarity.
From the mining and commodities perspective, incidents like this that erode public confidence in authorities can have broader economic implications. Stability and predictability are crucial for investment and economic growth. I hope this case is handled with utmost care and transparency.