Crime
Death of Alex Pretti at Hands of Federal Agents Sparks Scrutiny and Protests in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS — Federal immigration agents fatally shot a man outside Glam Doll Donuts near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue during an immigration enforcement operation, raising significant questions about the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force and the subsequent handling of the scene.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), officers discharged their firearms after encountering a man who was allegedly armed with a handgun and who, authorities claim, “violently resisted” when agents attempted to disarm him.
DHS has stated that the shots were fired in self-defense during the confrontation and that a firearm was recovered at the scene.
However, portions of the incident captured on bystander video and described in media reports appear to conflict with the federal account.
In the available footage, the man is seen holding what appears to be a cell phone, and no visible weapon can be seen in his hands at the moment officers converged on him and gunshots were fired.
There has been no indication from authorities that the man discharged a weapon during the encounter.
Authorities later identified the deceased as a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident.
The Associated Press reported that his parents identified him as Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse.
Law enforcement officials have also stated they believe Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit to carry.
According to multiple accounts, Pretti was present at the location as a legal observer and was filming federal officers during the operation prior to the confrontation.
Witnesses allege that officers attempted to detain him, leading to a physical struggle before the shooting occurred.
Further complicating the incident, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) reported that federal agents initially prevented state investigators from accessing the scene.
The BCA stated that even after returning with a signed judicial warrant, access was still denied for a period of time.
Federal authorities have not publicly explained the reason for the delay. State officials have emphasized that such restrictions raise concerns regarding interagency cooperation and transparency in officer-involved shootings.
This shooting marks the second fatal incident involving federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis during the current enforcement surge.
On January 7, Renee Good was killed after an ICE officer fired into her vehicle during a separate encounter, according to authorities.
The two incidents have prompted ongoing public demonstrations across the city.
Following Saturday’s shooting, hundreds of protesters returned to the streets despite extreme cold, demanding accountability and an end to expanded federal immigration operations in Minneapolis.
The shooting remains under investigation.
Federal officials have stated that reviews are ongoing, while state authorities continue to seek full access to evidence and the scene.
Additional information is expected to be released as investigations progress.
Norfolk, Virginia — Authorities have identified the instructor killed during Thursday’s shooting at Old Dominion University as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a retired U.S. Army officer who had returned to the university to serve as an instructor with its Army ROTC program.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:43 a.m. on the university’s campus in Norfolk. Police responded after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect—identified by authorities as Mohammed Jalloh—entered the building and walked through the hallway before approaching a classroom where an Army ROTC session was underway.
The suspect reportedly asked individuals inside whether he had arrived at an ROTC class. When someone confirmed that it was, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting the class instructor.
Voorhees University confirmed in a public Facebook statement that the victim was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, noting the tragedy has personal ties to the institution.
“This tragedy is felt especially close to home for us, as the victim, Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, was the son-in-law of Voorhees University Trustee and alumnus Dr. Dan Martin,” the university wrote in its statement. “We lift Dr. Martin and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.”
Shah was a native of Staunton and began his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist.
In 2005, he enrolled at Old Dominion University, where he later received his Army commission in 2007. Shah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in military science.
Following his commissioning, Shah served extensively in Army aviation. According to his alumni profile at ODU, he earned the Army Aviation Senior Aviator wings, logging more than 1,200 flight hours across three different aircraft and accumulating over 600 combat flight hours during his service.
In addition to his undergraduate degree, Shah pursued advanced education, earning an MBA from University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from University of Kansas.
Throughout his military career, Shah received numerous awards and distinctions. Among them were the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
His alumni biography also described him as a strong advocate for minority and veteran business education, highlighting his involvement in initiatives that support diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship. In addition to his professional work, Shah volunteered his time to assist underserved communities.
Shah returned to his alma mater in summer 2022 to serve as an instructor and help lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion at Old Dominion University. In that role, he mentored and trained students pursuing military leadership careers.
University officials and members of the campus community have expressed deep sorrow over his death, remembering Shah as a dedicated officer, educator, and mentor whose service and leadership had a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the suspect’s motive, and the investigation remains active.