New video has emerged showing Alex Pretti in a violent confrontation with federal agents on January 13. This incident occurred just 11 days before he was fatally shot in Minneapolis. The footage shows a man confirmed to be Pretti shouting obscenities and spitting at a federal SUV.
The video shows Pretti kicking and shattering the taillight of a dark Ford Expedition. Agents exited the vehicle and tackled him to the ground after he flashed double middle fingers. During the scuffle, Pretti’s coat was pulled back, revealing what appears to be a handgun in his waistband.
"A week before Alex was gunned down... he was violently assaulted by a group of ICE agents," said Steve Schleicher, the Pretti family attorney. The family acknowledged the footage but argued it does not justify the later shooting. They claim Pretti suffered broken ribs during this initial January 13 encounter.
DHS officials stated they are reviewing the clip but currently have no internal record of the incident. In the video, agents released Pretti at the scene despite the damage to the government vehicle. He remained in the area with other demonstrators as agents deployed chemical irritants to disperse the crowd.
The 37-year-old VA nurse was a legal gun owner with a valid permit to carry in Minnesota. Firearms experts identified the weapon seen in his waistband as a customized Sig Sauer P320. This model is a high-end 9mm pistol frequently used by both enthusiasts and law enforcement.
President Trump confirmed his administration is conducting a "full review" of the fatal January 24 shooting. Two Border Patrol agents involved in that incident have been placed on administrative leave. The White House has backtracked on initial claims that Pretti was an "assassin," moving toward a more neutral stance.
A report sent to Congress revealed that agents fired nearly a dozen rounds during the fatal struggle. They used a combination of CBP-issued Glock 19 and Glock 47 pistols. The investigation is now looking at whether a "spooked" agent fired after an accidental discharge during the disarming process.
Governor Tim Walz is currently pushing for an independent state investigation into the shooting. He has accused federal agents of blocking local investigators from the scene. Meanwhile, Border Czar Tom Homan has arrived in Minneapolis to take over the management of local ICE operations.
The release of the January 13 video has intensified the debate over Pretti’s actions before his death. Critics see a pattern of belligerence, while supporters view the footage as evidence of prior harassment. Minneapolis remains a "dangerous urban theatre" as federal surges and local resistance continue.