Video Shows Alex Preti’s Altercation with Federal Agents

A recently released video seems to show Alex Preti spitting at federal agents and damaging a government vehicle, just days before he was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis. This footage, shared by News Movement on Wednesday, appears to have been recorded on January 13. In it, a man resembling Preti—complete with a beard, glasses, and the same outfit worn during the incident—can be seen yelling and spitting at federal officers. He kicked the taillight of an SUV, causing damage.

As he shouted expletives and gestured aggressively, agents exited their vehicle and took him to the ground. The situation escalated, prompting agents to use pepper balls and tear gas on nearby protesters, although Preti was ultimately released after the confrontation.

Post-altercation, he was seen walking away while appearing to have a firearm tucked into his waistband. He chose to stay on-site, remaining with other demonstrators as they continued to shout at law enforcement.

Alex Preti’s family confirmed to local media that the individual in the video is indeed him. “A week before Alex was shot in the street, he was assaulted by a group of ICE agents, even though he posed no threat to anyone,” stated his family attorney. “Nothing that happened a full week ago would have justified Alex’s murder at the hands of ICE on January 24th.”

Tragically, Preti—a 37-year-old nurse working in an ICU—was killed by Border Patrol agents while documenting a federal immigration operation. Footage from the shooting shows him attempting to assist a woman tackled by agents before he himself was subdued. In the midst of the chaos, one of the agents drew a 9mm handgun, which authorities suspect was Preti’s firearm, as nearly a dozen shots were fired in response.

This incident marks the second deadly event involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis recently, occurring amid growing tensions over enforcement and clashes with anti-ICE protesters. Reports indicate that civilians were warned to stay on the sidewalks during the operation, and when agents attempted to detain Preti, he resisted, resulting in a physical struggle. An unidentified Border Patrol agent was heard announcing that “This man is armed” during the confrontation.