The name Alex Pretti is currently trending globally and has sparked massive discussions on social media in India and across the world. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, a 37-year-old man identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, USA.
The incident occurred during a tense standoff involving protests against immigration enforcement (ICE) raids. While official authorities claim the shooting was in self-defense, viral videos circulating online tell a conflicting story, raising serious questions about the use of force.
Here is a complete breakdown of who Alex Pretti was, what the viral videos show, and why this news is dominating headlines today.
Who Was Alex Pretti?
Alex Jeffrey Pretti (37) was an American citizen and a Registered Nurse who worked in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital.
- Background: He was described by family and colleagues as a kind-hearted caregiver with no criminal history.
- Why was he there? According to his family, Pretti was participating in protests against recent immigration crackdowns initiated by the US administration. He was reportedly upset over the earlier killing of another civilian, Renee Nicole Good, by an ICE agent earlier this month.
- Gun License: Police confirmed that Pretti was a legal gun owner with a valid permit to carry, which is legal in the state of Minnesota.
The Incident: What Happened on January 24?
The shooting took place on Saturday morning (US time) near Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. Federal agents from the U.S. Border Patrol and ICE were conducting an operation when a confrontation occurred.
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The Official Version (DHS Statement)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement claiming that Pretti approached agents with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. They stated that agents attempted to disarm him, but he “violently resisted,” leading an agent to fire “defensive shots” fearing for their safety. President Donald Trump also posted on social media supporting the agents, criticizing local leadership.
The Viral Video & Controversy
Contrary to the official narrative, bystander videos have gone viral on platforms like X (Twitter) and Instagram, showing a different sequence of events.
- The “Pink Lady” Video: A chilling video filmed by a bystander shows agents tackling Pretti to the ground. In the footage, Pretti appears to be holding a mobile phone, not a gun, while filming the agents shoving protestors.
- The Shooting: As multiple agents pin him down, a voice is heard shouting “He’s got a gun.” However, video analysis by major news outlets suggests that an agent might have removed the gun from Pretti’s waistband and moved away before the shots were fired.
- 10 Shots in 5 Seconds: The video captures the sound of at least 10 gunshots ringing out while Pretti was pinned to the ground. Bystanders are heard screaming, “What did you just do?” in shock.
Why Is This Trending in India?
While this is a US-based incident, it has gained traction in India for three reasons:
- Viral Footage: The graphic nature of the video and the bystander’s scream (“What did you do?”) has made it a viral topic on social media feeds globally.
- Immigration Anxiety: With many Indians living in the US, heightened tensions regarding immigration crackdowns and “stop-and-search” operations are a matter of concern for the diaspora.
- Human Rights Debate: The incident has sparked a global debate on police brutality and the right to protest, drawing comparisons to previous major movements.
Family Statement
Alex Pretti’s family has strongly rejected the official narrative. In a statement to the press, his parents expressed heartbreak and anger, calling the administration’s account “sickening lies.” They emphasized that Alex was trying to protect a woman who was pushed by agents and was holding his phone, not a weapon, at the start of the altercation.
What Happens Next?
- Investigation: The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is expected to investigate the shooting, though federal involvement complicates the jurisdiction.
- Protests: Massive protests have erupted in Minneapolis, New York, and other US cities demanding justice for Pretti.
- Video Analysis: Forensic experts are currently analyzing the frame-by-frame footage to determine if Pretti was indeed unarmed at the precise moment he was shot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Alex Pretti?
Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old ICU nurse working at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. He was shot and killed by federal agents on Jan 24, 2026.
2. Was Alex Pretti armed?
Police confirmed he was a legal gun owner with a permit. However, viral videos suggest he was holding a phone when tackled, and some analysis claims his gun may have been removed by agents before he was shot.
3. Why were federal agents in Minneapolis?
Agents from ICE and Border Patrol were in the city conducting immigration enforcement operations (raids) as part of a crackdown ordered by the administration.
4. What does the viral video show?
The video shows agents tackling Pretti, pepper-spraying him, and then firing multiple shots while he is pinned on the ground. A bystander is heard screaming in horror.
5. What is the official response?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims Pretti violently resisted disarmament, forcing agents to fire. His family denies this, stating he was protesting peacefully.