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‘This Is Horrifying’ – Minneapolis Residents Reel From Second Deadly Shooting
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
📅 January 27, 2026
Minneapolis residents, civic leaders and political figures are expressing shock and fear after a second U.S. citizen was fatally shot by federal agents in the city this month, prompting national outrage, renewed protests and urgent calls for accountability.
The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, 37, occurred on Saturday during a federal immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. Pretti was the second American killed by federal forces in the city in a matter of weeks, following the earlier death of Renée Good. Both incidents have heightened community tensions and fueled a fierce public debate over law enforcement tactics and civil liberties.
Community in Shock as Tragedy Deepens
Residents described the atmosphere in south Minneapolis as anguished and fearful.
“This is horrifying,” one local said, speaking about the repeated loss of life and the pervasive sense of insecurity in neighborhoods that have hosted sustained federal enforcement operations. Community groups report that many residents are reluctant to leave their homes, worried that routine daily activities could expose them to further violence.
Families of Pretti and other victims have held vigils and memorials across the city, drawing crowds who lament what they describe as preventable deaths. Religious leaders, community organizers and neighbors alike have called for justice, transparency and systemic change in how federal agents operate in densely populated urban settings.
Federal Enforcement and Conflicting Accounts
Federal officials have defended the agents’ actions, asserting that the shootings were responses to perceived threats during immigration operations. The White House reiterated that President Donald Trump supports robust enforcement of immigration laws while insisting he does not want violence on U.S. streets. Federal spokespeople maintained the agent acted in self-defense, even as video footage and eyewitness accounts have raised questions about that narrative.
Several Republican and Democratic lawmakers have seized on the concerns around these incidents to call for an independent, transparent investigation. A bipartisan group has demanded clarity on the use of force by federal agents and the circumstances that led to two civilians being killed within weeks.
Local Leaders Demand Accountability
Minneapolis city officials and Minnesota state leaders have sharply criticized the federal response. A Minneapolis City Council member noted that two of the city’s three recent homicides were carried out by federal agents — a dynamic that has jolted public trust in law enforcement and spurred calls for agents to be removed from the area. Protest leaders have emphasized the emotional toll on residents, especially immigrant families who say they now feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods.
Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey have both pressed for greater oversight and independent review of the incidents, emphasizing that federal-level actions have contributed to unrest and fear. State leaders are also contending with legal disputes over jurisdiction and access to evidence, as Minneapolis officials argue for shared investigative authority with federal agencies.
Ongoing Protests and Broader Impact
The shootings have triggered widespread demonstrations across Minneapolis and in other cities nationwide. Protesters have called for the end of aggressive enforcement operations in the city, asserting that federal agents have acted with impunity. Large crowds have gathered in downtown areas and near the original crime scenes, chanting for justice and holding signs demanding accountability.
The controversy has spilled into national politics as the 2026 election year unfolds. Critics of the enforcement strategy argue that using heavily armed federal agents in urban communities risks unnecessary violence and undermines trust in law enforcement. Supporters counter that federal law must be upheld, even amid political pushback.
What Is Known — and What Remains Unresolved
Confirmed facts:
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Two U.S. citizens — including Alex Pretti — have been fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
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Public protests and community outcry have intensified across the city.
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Calls for independent investigations and transparency are growing among both lawmakers and residents.
Unresolved questions:
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Full details of the investigative process and whether independent oversight will be permitted.
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Release of body-camera footage and other key evidence.
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Long-term impact on federal-local law enforcement relations and public safety policy.
Officials have not yet fully disclosed findings from ongoing reviews, and legal disputes continue over access to evidence and investigative authority. As the situation evolves, Minneapolis remains a flashpoint for national debates over policing, federal authority and civil rights.
Sources:
PBS NewsHour; Washington Post; CBS News; Reuters; The Guardian; Time.
Tags:
Minneapolis Shooting, Federal Agents, Alex Pretti, Immigration Enforcement, Civil Unrest, Law Enforcement Accountability
News by The Vagabond News.
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