“Sickening Lies”: Family of Minneapolis Shooting Victim Hits Out at President Donald Trump
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
📅 January 26, 2026
Relatives of Man Killed by Federal Agents Reject Official Narrative
The family of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, has publicly condemned statements by federal officials, including President Donald Trump, calling the government’s account of the incident “sickening lies.” The family’s criticism amplifies growing scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement actions and competing narratives about what occurred during the lethal confrontation.
In a statement released after the shooting, Pretti’s parents described the federal government’s depiction of the encounter as “reprehensible and disgusting,” asserting that their son was not armed or acting violently when he was shot. They urged the public and authorities to “get the truth out about our son,” arguing that video evidence contradicts claims by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that Pretti approached federal agents with a handgun.
Family Statement Challenges Government Version
According to the family’s statement, widely reported in news accounts and legal summaries, Pretti was shown on video holding only a phone in his hand and with his other hand raised, not brandishing a weapon, at the moment agents confronted him. The statement accused federal officials, including senior administration figures, of spreading misinformation in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
The family’s account rejects assertions that Pretti posed a threat to law enforcement. They said footage shows him attempting to protect another person from being knocked down by federal agents as events unfolded. “Alex is clearly not holding a gun,” the statement said, describing the official narrative as a distortion of what transpired.
Context: Minneapolis Shooting and Operation Metro Surge
The fatal shooting occurred during a broader federal immigration enforcement initiative in Minneapolis known as Operation Metro Surge, which has deployed substantial numbers of federal agents, including U.S. Border Patrol officers, to the city. Pretti’s death was the second fatal shooting of a civilian in Minneapolis linked to federal immigration operations in January 2026, after the fatal shooting of Renée Nicole Good earlier in the month.
Federal officials, including DHS leadership and administration spokespeople, have maintained that agents acted in self-defense after encountering an armed individual. Those officials have portrayed the encounter as dangerous for law enforcement and justified the use of lethal force. In contrast, Pretti’s family and others in the community have called for transparency and the release of all available video and investigative material.
Responses From Local Leaders and Advocates
Local and state officials have echoed concerns about the federal narrative. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the situation as “sickening” and demanded that federal immigration operations be halted pending investigation. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has criticized the federal account and condemned the enforcement strategy. Advocates and civil liberties groups have called for accountability and independent review of the shooting and federal enforcement practices more broadly.
The conflicting accounts have fueled protests in Minneapolis and other cities, with demonstrators calling for justice for Pretti and broader reforms to immigration enforcement. Some civic leaders and advocacy groups have said they are preparing legal challenges aimed at limiting federal enforcement actions in Minneapolis and ensuring public access to evidence.
What Is Known and What Remains Under Investigation
It is confirmed that Alex Jeffrey Pretti was shot and killed by a federal agent in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, and that his family disputes key elements of the official government narrative. It is also confirmed that video footage captured by bystanders exists and is under review by investigators. What remains unclear — and subject to ongoing investigation — is the complete sequence of actions leading to the use of force and whether federal protocols were appropriately followed. Authorities have not yet released all body-camera footage or a comprehensive official timeline.
The family’s statement has become a focal point in the broader debate over federal enforcement tactics, public communication by government officials, and accountability in use-of-force incidents.
Sources:
Wikipedia; People; The Guardian; local and national news reports.
Tags: Alex Pretti, Minneapolis, federal agents, family response, Trump administration, immigration enforcement
News by The Vagabond News.
Sickening lies Family of Minneapolis shooting victim hits out at Trump
Leave a Reply