Another Fatal Minneapolis Shooting

A man was fatally shot by federal officers during an immigration operation in Minneapolis on Saturday.

Federal authorities identified the man as Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and ICU nurse. 

What happened? 
Videos show Pretti filming ICE agents with his phone, before appearing to try and intervene after an ICE agent pushes a woman to the ground. An officer appears to pepper-spray Pretti in the face before dragging him to the ground. Several agents surround Pretti, and moments later, multiple gunshots are heard.

The videos have fueled sharply different accounts of whether the officer’s actions were justified.

What are the dueling accounts?
DHS Secretary Noem said that Pretti “approached US border patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.” She suggested he intended to “kill law enforcement,” and that the officer “fired defensive shots” after Pretti “violently resisted” being disarmed.

Minnesota Governor Walz (D) called the DHS’s account “nonsense,” and demanded President Trump recall the “3,000 untrained agents out of Minnesota before they kill another American in the street.” Pretti’s parents say that, while their son had a permit to carry the firearm, he was “clearly not holding a gun when attacked” by ICE agents, but had “his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head.”

What now?
Separate—non-collaborative—state and federal investigations.

Meanwhile, Governor Walz deployed the National Guard to aid local law enforcement as anti-ICE protestors rallied near Minneapolis city hall, despite dangerously cold weather this weekend. And Senate Democrats say they will block a spending bill that includes $10B in funding for ICE, which must be approved by Friday to avoid a partial government shutdown.

PRAY WITH US
Good Shepherd, we come to You in a dark valley; lead us beside quiet waters and still our burdened souls. With your goodness and mercy, relentlessly pursue those who are mourning. Lead law enforcement in paths of righteousness, that they will be fearless when confronting wolves but discerning and gentle when they meet lambs. 

Still the anxiety, anger, and fear in Minneapolis and across the country. Give investigators insight and give courts discernment, and grow Your people’s faith that You will soon right every wrong. May we be beacons of light and hope while we wait on You. Amen.
(Scriptural basis: Psalm 23)