In Minneapolis, a demonstration against ICE led to the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by federal agents. He was armed with a Sig Sauer P320 9mm handgun notorious for unintentional discharges. Some experts speculate that a Border Patrol agent may have accidentally fired the gun, prompting others to shoot as well.
Pretti was attempting to prevent the arrest of a woman when the incident occurred. Authorities confirmed that he had a legal permit for carrying a firearm.
Footage from the scene captured an agent shouting “gun” as he seized the weapon from Pretti. Moments later, another agent fired multiple rounds, fatally striking him.
Rob Dobber, representing the Minnesota Gun Owners Congress, raised concerns, suggesting that as the agent took the gun, it may have fired unintentionally, leading to the tragic outcome. He stated, “I believe it is likely that the first shot was fired inadvertently by the agent in the gray jacket.” The P320 model, which is commonly used but has faced over 100 defect claims, is said to have a tendency to fire unexpectedly.
Authorities released an image of Pretti’s loaded handgun, which appears to be a high-end custom P320 AXG Combat, retailing for between $1,100 and $1,300, equipped with three 21-round magazines. While Minneapolis police acknowledged he had a permit to carry, the Department of Homeland Security previously declared it was “illegal” for demonstrators to have firearms at protests.
In an unrelated case, a jury in 2021 awarded $11 million to a veteran after his holstered pistol discharged, causing serious injuries. Plaintiffs’ attorney Robert W. Zimmerman has been urging Sig Sauer to recall the firearm and implement safety mechanisms similar to those of other companies.
Sig Sauer defended the P320, stating it is among the most tested handguns available. In 2025, an executive from the company successfully advocated for legislation in New Hampshire that shields manufacturers from liability in lawsuits connected to the P320.
