DOJ Opens Civil Rights Probe Into Alex Pretti Death/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The U.S. Justice Department has launched a federal civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti by Border Patrol officers. The FBI will now lead the inquiry, shifting oversight from Homeland Security. The case has drawn national scrutiny after videos challenged official claims.
Alex Pretti Civil Rights Case Quick Looks
- DOJ confirms federal civil rights probe into Pretti’s death.
- FBI to lead investigation; Homeland Security to assist.
- Two Border Patrol agents shot Pretti in Minneapolis.
- DHS initially claimed Pretti brandished a weapon—videos dispute this.
- Footage shows Pretti holding a phone, not a gun.
- Pretti had a legal concealed carry permit in Minnesota.
- Earlier altercation on Jan. 13 shows Pretti kicking a vehicle.
- No evidence he reached for his weapon in either incident.
- President Trump called Pretti an “agitator” and possible “insurrectionist.”
- Civil rights advocates and Pretti’s family demand full accountability.
Deep Look
DOJ Opens Civil Rights Investigation Into Shooting Death of Alex Pretti by Federal Agents
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a federal civil rights investigation into the death of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis man who was fatally shot by Border Patrol officers last weekend. The announcement marks a significant escalation in federal scrutiny following public outcry and the release of videos contradicting earlier government statements.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the probe at a press briefing Friday. “We’re looking at everything that would shed light on that day,” Blanche said.
The Justice Department also announced that the FBI will lead the investigation, supported by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a unit of the Department of Homeland Security. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which includes the Border Patrol, is conducting an internal review as well.
Leadership Shift and Conflicting Narratives
Initially, Homeland Security had said that HSI would oversee the investigation, but DHS Secretary Kristi Noem revealed during a Thursday night interview on Fox News that leadership had shifted to the FBI.
“We will continue to follow the FBI’s investigation and provide any support needed to uncover the truth,” Noem told Fox host Sean Hannity.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the shift Friday but did not elaborate on why or when the decision was made. The FBI has yet to comment.
Videos Contradict Federal Claims
Noem had previously claimed Pretti had brandished a firearm and aggressively advanced on federal agents during the confrontation. However, multiple videos that surfaced online appeared to contradict that account.
Footage from the shooting scene shows Pretti, an intensive care nurse, holding a mobile phone in his hand as he is tackled by officers. One officer removes a handgun from his waistband after Pretti is on the ground. Another officer fires several shots into Pretti’s back.
Authorities later confirmed that Pretti had a valid concealed carry permit, and the videos suggest he never reached for the firearm.
Noem backtracked slightly in her interview with Hannity, saying that earlier statements were based on preliminary reports from agents on the ground. “We were using the best information we had at the time,” she said.
Earlier Encounter Adds to Debate
Additional footage released Wednesday captured a separate confrontation between Pretti and federal immigration officers on January 13, 11 days before the fatal shooting.
In that video, Pretti is seen yelling at officers, spitting at a vehicle, and kicking out the taillight of a federal SUV. A scuffle ensued, and Pretti escaped. A handgun is visible in his waistband, though he did not appear to reach for it, and it’s unclear if officers saw it.
While the earlier altercation has raised questions about Pretti’s behavior, his family and attorney argue that it does not justify the use of lethal force more than a week later.
Steve Schleicher, attorney for Pretti’s parents, said the previous incident “in no way justified executing him in the street.” He and civil rights groups are now demanding transparency and accountability from federal authorities.
Political Reaction and Public Scrutiny
President Donald Trump weighed in Friday via Truth Social, calling Pretti an “agitator” and “perhaps, insurrectionist.” He referenced the January 13 footage as proof of violent behavior, though critics accused the president of politicizing the death before a full investigation is complete.
“Crazed and out of control,” Trump wrote, describing Pretti’s behavior in the earlier video. “It was quite a display of abuse and anger.”
Civil rights advocates argue that Trump’s comments could undermine due process and inflame public tension as the FBI continues its investigation.
Meanwhile, questions remain about whether Minnesota state officials, so far excluded from the federal inquiry, will be allowed to access evidence gathered by the FBI.
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