A doctor present during the shooting of anti-ICE protestor Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has alleged that federal agents focused on ‘counting his bullet wounds’ instead of providing medical aid.
Alex Pretti was shot and killed on Saturday, January 24, in Minneapolis during ongoing protests against ICE agents and the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that federal immigration agents fired in self-defense, claiming the protestor had a handgun.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted that the ICU nurse was reportedly a legal gun owner with a permit to carry.
However, there is no evidence indicating that Pretti intended to harm federal officers during the demonstration, a point emphasized by his family.
A witness at the scene, identified as a physician, has provided a detailed account of the events.
In court documents, the physician stated that the 37-year-old did not appear to threaten federal agents with a weapon.
This witness statement, submitted in federal court, conflicts with the DHS’s narrative.
“I saw him yelling at the ICE agents, but I did not see him attack the agents or brandish a weapon of any kind,” the witness recounted regarding Pretti.
“Suddenly, an ICE agent shoved him to the ground. My view of the altercation was partially obstructed, but after a few seconds, I saw at least four ICE agents point guns at the man. I then saw the agents shoot the man at least six or seven times.”
The witness then attempted to treat Pretti’s injuries, noting that the agents were preoccupied with counting the ‘bullet wounds’.
“I was confused as to why the victim was on his side, because that is not standard practice,” the doctor explained.
“Checking for a pulse and administering CPR is standard practice. Instead of doing either of those things, the ICE agents appeared to be counting his bullet wounds.”
Efforts have been made to contact the DHS for comments.
This incident follows the Pretti family’s plea for the truth about their son, countering Border Control’s allegations that Pretti intended to ‘massacre law enforcement’.
“He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset,” said his father, Michael Pretti, reflecting on his son’s motivations.