Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino provided a forceful justification for the fatal shooting of 37‑year‑old Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti during an immigration enforcement operation, claiming that the man was armed with a 9 mm semi‑automatic handgun, had multiple magazines, lacked accessible identification, and presented a lethal threat to law enforcement. At a press briefing, Bovino said the suspect “wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement,” portraying the confrontation as defensive action by federal agents.

According to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, agents attempted to disarm the man after he approached with a firearm during the targeted operation. Bovino characterized the scene as volatile, with agents fearing for their safety and that of fellow officers, and described the sudden escalation leading to the shots fired. He also framed federal law enforcement personnel as the “victims” of the encounter.

However, independent video evidence and eyewitness accounts circulating online and cited by multiple media outlets raise significant questions about the administration’s narrative. Verified footage from the scene shows Pretti holding a mobile phone, not a weapon, immediately before federal agents pepper‑sprayed and wrestled him to the ground. None of the available bystander videos show Pretti brandishing the firearm prior to the fatal shots, and he is seen disarmed before an agent fires multiple times.

Pretti, a U.S. citizen and licensed concealed carry permit holder, was known locally as an ICU nurse and community member without a significant criminal history. Family members and local officials have disputed federal officials’ characterization of him as a violent threat, and widespread public criticism has followed the shooting. A growing body of commentary from community leaders, legal experts, and lawmakers emphasizes the need for a transparent, independent investigation into the use of force.

The incident has also fueled broader debate over federal immigration enforcement tactics and accountability. Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz, have sharply criticized the federal narrative and demanded answers, while bipartisan calls for deeper investigation have emerged from both state and national lawmakers. The shooting has prompted protests in Minneapolis and renewed scrutiny of enforcement operations in urban settings.

At the time of reporting, federal investigations are ongoing, and law enforcement officials acknowledge that key facts surrounding the confrontation—including precisely when and how the firearm entered the dynamic—remain under review. The discrepancy between official statements and independently recorded footage continues to shape public reaction and calls for accountability as the case unfolds.