Two officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection involved in the shooting that killed Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti have been temporarily placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, NBC News reported, citing a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The agents’ names have not been disclosed.
The department has submitted a report to Congress outlining the results of a preliminary internal review of the incident, which occurred on January 24 during a migration enforcement operation. The document was prepared following Pretti’s death, a development also reported by NBC News and Reuters.
Journalists note that the report’s conclusions diverge from public statements made by officials in U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration regarding Pretti’s conduct. In particular, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that, shortly before his death, the nurse allegedly attacked the agents and brandished a weapon. No such assertions appear in the report that was submitted.
According to the document, the agents ordered Pretti and his companion to leave the street, but he refused. Pepper spray was then deployed in their direction, after which officers attempted to detain the nurse, resulting in what the report describes as “a struggle.” Shortly after one of the agents shouted, “He has a gun!”, they opened fire. The report does not specify which officer fired the fatal shot.