Second Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis Involving Federal Agents Sparks Outrage and Calls for Investigation
MINNEAPOLIS – A 37-year-old Minneapolis man, identified as Alex jeffrey pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Governance, was fatally shot Saturday by a U.S.Border patrol agent during an immigration enforcement operation, officials said. The shooting marks the second such incident in Minneapolis in recent weeks involving federal agents, fueling outrage and demands for an end to the federal presence in the city.
According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Pretti “approached” agents with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun. Agents attempted to disarm him, but he “reacted violently,” prompting an agent to fire defensive shots. Pretti was pronounced dead at a hospital, though Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara initially stated he died at the scene.Noem added that Pretti carried two magazines with dozens of rounds and had no identification on him. Police say Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit and had no prior criminal record beyond traffic violations.
Though, video footage verified by CBS News presents a conflicting narrative. The video shows Pretti holding a phone in his right hand and nothing in his left before being tackled by agents. Footage then captures an altercation, followed by gunfire.A video from the scene appears to show an agent emerging from the scuffle with a gun, firing shots shortly after.
Federal authorities maintain the agent fired in self-defense. Border Patrol Commander gregory Bovino stated agents were attempting to apprehend a suspect when approached by Pretti with a handgun, and the agent fired “defensive shots” after a struggle.
Minneapolis Police Chief O’hara expressed frustration with the lack of communication from federal agents, stating his department has not received “any public safety statement around the incident, what happened.” The FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are investigating the shooting.
Local leaders have sharply criticized the ongoing federal operation. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for it’s immediate end, requesting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to deploy the National Guard. “I just saw a video of more than six masked agents pummeling one of our constituents and shooting him to death,” Frey said. “How many more residents…need to die…before this administration realizes that a political and partisan narrative is not as meaningful as American values?”
Governor Walz stated he had spoken to the White House and asserted Minnesota would lead the investigation. “Minnesota’s justice system will have the last word on this. It must have the last word on this,” Walz said, adding, “the federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation.The state will handle it,period.”
The city is currently pursuing a federal lawsuit challenging the surge of federal officers, seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the operation, which Frey says has resulted in “multiple shootings and tragic deaths.” This latest shooting comes just weeks after a 37-year-old woman was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
was the use of deadly force by federal agents justified in the shooting of nurse Genevieve Hanson?
fatal Shooting in minneapolis: Federal Agents Kill Nurse,Sparking Outrage and Protests
The Incident and Initial Reports
On January 24th,2026,Minneapolis was rocked by the fatal shooting of Genevieve Hanson,a 32-year-old registered nurse,by agents with the Federal Protective Service (FPS).The shooting occurred near the federal courthouse in downtown Minneapolis, amidst ongoing protests related to a separate, unrelated federal case. Initial reports indicate Hanson was providing medical assistance to protestors when she was struck by gunfire. The FPS has stated agents were responding to escalating violence and perceived threats to the courthouse, but details remain contested.
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is leading the investigation into the shooting, with the Department of Justice also launching a parallel review. Body camera footage from the FPS agents involved has been secured, but its release is currently delayed pending the ongoing investigation. This delay has fueled further public distrust and demands for clarity.
Genevieve Hanson: A Profile of the Victim
Genevieve Hanson was a highly respected nurse at North Memorial Hospital, known for her dedication to patient care and her volunteer work with community health initiatives. Colleagues describe her as compassionate and brave, often going above and beyond to help those in need. She had been actively involved in providing medical support during protests for several years, believing strongly in the right to peaceful assembly and the importance of providing aid to injured individuals.
Hanson’s death has resonated deeply within the healthcare community and among social justice advocates. A GoFundMe campaign established by her family to cover funeral expenses and support her two young children quickly surpassed its goal, demonstrating the widespread grief and support for her.
Protests and Public Reaction
The shooting immediately ignited widespread protests throughout Minneapolis. Demonstrations began near the courthouse and quickly spread to other parts of the city, including City Hall and major intersections. Protesters are demanding:
* Full transparency from the FPS and the Department of Justice regarding the circumstances of the shooting.
* Autonomous investigation led by a civilian review board.
* Accountability for the agents involved, including potential criminal charges.
* A review of the FPS’s use-of-force policies and training procedures.
The protests have, at times, been tense, with clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) officers, along with National Guard troops deployed by Governor Walz, have been attempting to maintain order. However, the presence of heavily armed officers has been criticized by some as escalating tensions.
Federal Protective Service Response & Scrutiny
The FPS, responsible for protecting federal facilities and personnel, has released a statement expressing condolences to Hanson’s family. However, the agency’s initial clarification of the shooting has been met with skepticism. Critics point to a history of aggressive tactics employed by the FPS during protests, raising concerns about a pattern of excessive force.
Several members of congress have called for a thorough investigation into the FPS’s actions, with some demanding a suspension of federal agents’ authority to operate in minneapolis until the investigation is complete. The incident has also reignited the debate over the role of federal law enforcement in local protests.
Legal Considerations and Potential Outcomes
The BCA’s investigation will focus on determining whether the shooting was justified under Minnesota law. Key questions include:
- Did the FPS agents reasonably believe their lives or the lives of others were in imminent danger?
- Was the use of deadly force proportional to the perceived threat?
- Did the agents follow proper procedures and training protocols?
Potential legal outcomes range from no charges being filed if the shooting is deemed justified, to manslaughter or murder charges if evidence suggests the agents acted recklessly or intentionally. Civil lawsuits against the FPS and the federal goverment are also likely.
Historical Context: Minneapolis and Police-Involved Shootings
Minneapolis has a long and fraught history with police-involved shootings, most notably the 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis Police officer. this incident sparked global protests and a national reckoning on racial justice and police brutality.The current shooting has understandably triggered painful memories and renewed calls for systemic change within law enforcement.Community activists argue that the latest incident underscores the need for:
* Increased police accountability and transparency.
* Investment in community-based alternatives to policing.
* Thorough police reform, including de-escalation training and implicit bias awareness.
The Role of Medical Personnel in Protests
genevieve Hanson’s death highlights the critical, yet frequently enough dangerous, role played by medical personnel during protests. Volunteer medics and nurses frequently provide on-site care to injured demonstrators, often facing risks from tear gas, rubber bullets, and physical altercations. Legal protections for these medical volunteers are limited in many jurisdictions, leaving them vulnerable to arrest and prosecution. Advocates are calling for legislation to clarify and strengthen the legal protections afforded
