In Court Filings, Witnesses Describe Fatal Minneapolis Shooting of Alex Pretti
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
📅 January 25, 2026
Lead: Court Records Bring New Details to Light
Newly filed court documents have provided detailed eyewitness accounts of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, offering descriptions that differ in key respects from the initial statements released by federal authorities. The filings, submitted as part of ongoing federal litigation, include sworn testimony from multiple witnesses who were present at the scene and describe the moments leading up to the shooting. The case has intensified scrutiny of federal law enforcement activity in Minneapolis and has prompted renewed calls for transparency.
Alex Pretti, 37, was shot and killed during a law enforcement operation involving federal agents. Federal authorities have stated that agents acted in self-defense. The court filings, however, assert that witnesses did not observe Pretti threatening officers at the time he was shot. The matter remains under investigation, and no final legal conclusions have been reached.
Witness Accounts Submitted to Federal Court
According to affidavits filed in federal court, several witnesses stated that they did not see Alex Pretti holding a firearm or engaging in aggressive behavior toward officers. Some witnesses said Pretti appeared to be observing events around him and, in some instances, assisting others nearby. The sworn statements emphasize that Pretti’s actions did not appear to pose an immediate danger to law enforcement personnel.
One witness told the court that Pretti’s hands were visible and that he appeared to be holding a phone or camera at the time of the encounter. Another stated that Pretti was focused on documenting events rather than confronting officers. These accounts contrast with the federal government’s initial narrative, which indicated that agents encountered an armed individual who refused commands.
The filings do not claim to establish definitive facts but instead present eyewitness recollections for the court’s consideration. Attorneys for the plaintiffs have argued that these statements warrant closer examination of the circumstances surrounding the use of lethal force.
Federal Authorities’ Position
Federal officials have maintained that agents perceived a serious threat during the encounter. According to official statements, a firearm was recovered near the scene following the shooting. Authorities have said the presence of the weapon contributed to agents’ decision-making in a rapidly evolving situation.
Officials have not publicly released all evidence related to the incident, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. They have also declined to comment in detail on the newly filed affidavits, stating that the matter is being reviewed through appropriate legal channels.
Community Reaction and Public Response
The shooting has prompted strong reactions across Minneapolis, including vigils and public demonstrations. Community members have called for an independent and transparent investigation and have questioned the scope and conduct of federal law enforcement operations in the city.
Local leaders have acknowledged the community’s concerns and emphasized the importance of accountability. While some officials have urged residents to allow the legal process to proceed, others have pressed federal agencies to release additional information to clarify what occurred.
Legal Proceedings and Oversight
The witness statements were submitted as part of a broader legal effort challenging federal enforcement practices. Civil rights attorneys argue that the affidavits demonstrate the need for stricter oversight and clearer rules governing federal operations in local jurisdictions.
At this stage, the court has not issued findings on the merits of the witness accounts. Investigations by federal and local authorities are ongoing, and prosecutors have not announced whether any charges will be filed. Officials have confirmed that additional evidence, including video footage, is under review.
What Is Known and What Remains Unreleased
It is confirmed that Alex Pretti died from gunshot wounds sustained during the encounter with federal agents. It is also confirmed that a firearm was recovered at or near the scene. What remains unclear is the precise sequence of events immediately before shots were fired and whether Pretti was holding or reaching for a weapon at that moment. Authorities have not released body-camera footage or a full timeline, citing investigative constraints.
As the case proceeds through the courts, further disclosures may occur through legal filings or official statements. Until then, the court-submitted witness accounts represent one of the most detailed public records describing the fatal Minneapolis shooting of Alex Pretti.
Sources:
Associated Press; Star Tribune; KSTP-TV; CBS Minnesota; federal court filings.
Tags: Minneapolis, Alex Pretti, court filings, federal agents, use of force, investigation
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