MINNEAPOLIS — Alex Preti, an ICU nurse, was among a group of local protesters who encountered Border Patrol agents during the arrest of an undocumented immigrant in Minneapolis, leading to a tragic shooting incident on Saturday, according to witnesses and activists.
A woman named Blair, who was at a nearby coffee shop when it happened, described the atmosphere: “It was pretty quiet. It was Saturday, so most people were off work. Once news spread about a significant ICE presence, people began to gather.” She estimated the crowd at about 50. “It might sound like a lot, but really, it wasn’t.” She recalled hearing multiple gunshots around 8:30 and quickly realizing that something serious had occurred. “Then the ambulance came.”
As the shots rang out, Preti, aged 37, was tackled and shot by federal agents.
Preti worked at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, where he cared for critically ill veterans. His ex-wife noted he had been vocal in protests since George Floyd’s death in 2020, often expressing his frustrations with law enforcement. At times, he would even confront officers during these protests. This past few months, Preti became a familiar presence near the New American Development Center, where he was shot, according to employee Emma, who described him as a nice person committed to community safety.
Footage recorded in the moments leading up to Preti’s death seems to challenge official accounts from the Department of Homeland Security about his circumstances of death.
In the video, Preti can be seen moving toward the federal officers while recording the scene. The recording shows a deputy forcefully pushing protesters, leading to a female protester falling near a white SUV. Preti apparently tried to help her, only to face pepper spray from an agent, who is believed to be the same one who later shot him.
Despite being sprayed, Preti continued filming while attempting to assist the woman on the ground.
Then, the video shows several agents restraining Preti, with one appearing to pull a gun from his waistband. Afterward, another agent fired into Preti’s back. Reports suggest that at least 10 shots were fired within a quick span.
Authorities speculate that Preti may have accidentally discharged a pistol, prompting the agents to open fire in fear.
The Department of Homeland Security later stated that the agents reacted defensively when Preti allegedly approached them with a handgun, suggesting he had harmful intentions at the time. They claimed that the officers were compelled to respond violently out of concern for their safety and that of their colleagues.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara remarked that Preti was a legal gun owner, with no criminal history, holding a permit to carry firearms in public.
His ex-wife noted that he had received a concealed carry permit about three years ago and owned at least one semi-automatic handgun during their separation.
