Alex Pretti, 37, identified as man fatally shot by Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) identified the man fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on Saturday as one of its members, Alex Jeffrey Pretti.
Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident and ICU nurse, was shot during an immigration enforcement operation early Saturday targeting Jose Huerta-Chuma, an illegal immigrant with a criminal history including domestic assault for intentional conflict bodily harm, disorderly conduct and driving without a valid license.
Homeland Security officials said Pretti approached Border Patrol agents while armed with a 9mm pistol and "violently resisted" when they attempted to disarm him.
Medics at the scene immediately delivered aid, but Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene.
"At this time, many of the details remain unclear," AFGE wrote in a statement. "Video of the incident is circulating on social media, and the Department of Homeland Security has publicly stated that the victim was brandishing a weapon at officers. However, based on the video currently available, that claim is not clearly established."
AFGE said they are not certain if the Border Patrol agent who opened fire was a member of AFGE.
"This is an unfolding and extremely serious matter," AFGE leaders wrote in the statement. "Until we have verified facts, it is important that we refrain from speculation or drawing conclusions.
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"What we do know is this: a member of our union lost their life today, and that alone is devastating. Our hearts are heavy, and we are deeply stricken by this tragedy that has befallen one of our own. Until more information becomes available, I urge everyone to remain calm and encourage peace and restraint in all communications and actions."
Common Defense Civic Engagement, the nation’s largest grassroots organization of veterans and military families, released a statement following the shooting, saying Pretti "should still be alive."
"This is not normal. Yesterday, more than 50,000 Minneapolis residents joined a peaceful general strike against this authoritarian overreach. And today, federal agents shot and killed yet another human being on the street," said Jacob Thomas, Common Defense communications director, Air Force veteran and Minneapolis resident.
"It is beyond clear that ICE and DHS are out of control. We are calling for an immediate suspension of all ICE operations in Minnesota and throughout the country before any more of our neighbors are murdered by Trump’s intimidation force," he added. "As veterans who swore an oath to this country and the constitution, we call on every American to stand up against Trump’s lawlessness and reject the occupation of our beloved communities."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.