Federal agents who shot Alex Pretti on paid administrative leave, sources say

Minneapolis Shooting, Political Attacks, and Border Issues: A Detailed Report

Key Concepts:

• Alex Prey: Minneapolis ICU nurse fatally shot by federal agents.
• DHS (Department of Homeland Security): Federal agency overseeing Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol, currently under scrutiny.
• CBP (Customs and Border Protection): Federal law enforcement agency responsible for border security.
• Border Patrol: Federal law enforcement agency responsible for preventing illegal immigration.
• Christy Gnome: Current Secretary of Homeland Security facing calls for resignation.
• Ilhan Omar: Minnesota Congresswoman attacked at a town hall meeting.
• Administrative Leave: Temporary removal from duty with pay, typically during an investigation.
• Bodycam Footage: Video recorded by agents via cameras worn on their bodies.

I. The Shooting of Alex Prey & Conflicting Reports

The report centers on the fatal shooting of Alex Prey, an ICU nurse in Minneapolis, by federal agents. New video footage has emerged showing a confrontation between Prey and federal agents eleven days prior to the shooting, on January 13th. The video depicts Prey, along with others, verbally confronting agents blocking an intersection. Prey is seen kicking a federal vehicle before being physically subdued by agents who then deployed gas into the crowd. A firearm is visible on Prey’s waistband as he walks away from the initial altercation. DHS is currently reviewing this footage.

Crucially, there is a discrepancy regarding the status of the two agents involved in the shooting. A Customs and Border Protection spokesperson stated the agents were placed on paid administrative leave immediately after the shooting on Saturday. However, Border Patrol Commander Greg Bevino initially claimed the agents were still working, albeit in different locations “for their safety.” DHS has not clarified this contradiction.

A preliminary DHS report to Congress confirms that two agents fired their weapons during the shooting – one a Border Patrol agent and the other a CBP officer. The report states agents attempted to take Prey into custody, a struggle ensued, and a Border Patrol agent repeatedly yelled, “He’s got a gun.” Ten shots were fired within seconds. Notably, the report does not state that Prey ever brandished or attempted to reach for his weapon, despite being legally permitted to carry it. Furthermore, the report makes no mention of Prey being disarmed before being shot, as video evidence appears to show.

II. Eyewitness Account & Governor’s Response

Stella Carlson, a witness present during the shooting, provided a harrowing account to CNN, stating she witnessed Prey’s death and described the agents as “scattering and saving themselves” after the shooting. She stated, “Did I think I was going to be filming a murder? No. An assassination? No. I mean, I watched him die.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, after speaking with President Trump, expressed a desire for federal accountability and removal of federal agents from Minneapolis, stating, “I’m not so interested in a shift in tone. We just need them out of here and we need accountability for what’s happened.”

III. Calls for Secretary Gnome’s Resignation & Administration Response

The shooting has sparked widespread bipartisan calls for Homeland Security Secretary Christy Gnome to resign. Critics point to the discrepancies in the DHS report and the eyewitness accounts suggesting Prey did not pose an immediate threat. Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Tom Tillis have joined Democrats in demanding Gnome’s resignation. Senator Tillis described Gnome as “a complete failure on disaster response,” stating she “clearly doesn’t know how to manage.”

Secretary Gnome’s initial statement following the shooting – “This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement” – has been widely criticized as inaccurate and misleading by Prey’s family and others.

IV. Attack on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar & Presidential Remarks

During a town hall meeting in Minneapolis, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was attacked by a man, Anthony Kasmir (55), who sprayed her with an unknown substance from a syringe. Security personnel quickly apprehended Kasmir. Omar, who has been a frequent target of criticism from President Trump and his administration, remained resilient, stating, “Here’s the reality that people like this ugly man don't understand. We are Minnesota strong and we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw.”

President Trump, speaking with Rachel Scott after the attack, made controversial remarks, suggesting Omar may have staged the attack herself, stating, “I think she's a fraud. I really don't think about that. She probably had herself sprayed knowing her.” He also admitted he hadn’t seen the video of the attack at the time of the conversation.

V. Detention of Liam Ramos & His Father & Ongoing Protests

The report also highlights the case of 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father, who were taken into ICE custody. Protests are ongoing outside the Dilly Detention Center in Texas, where they are being held, with demonstrators demanding their release. Congressman Joaquin Castro visited them, sharing an image of Liam sleeping in his father’s arms. A federal judge has temporarily blocked their deportation while their legal case proceeds.

VI. Upcoming Press Conference & Federal Oversight

Tom Homan, formerly of ICE, is now overseeing federal operations in Minneapolis and is scheduled to hold his first press conference tomorrow morning.

Conclusion:

The situation in Minneapolis remains highly charged, marked by conflicting reports, political tensions, and growing demands for accountability. The shooting of Alex Prey, the attack on Ilhan Omar, and the detention of Liam Ramos and his father have all contributed to a climate of distrust and unrest. The discrepancies in official statements, particularly from DHS, are fueling calls for Secretary Gnome’s resignation and a thorough investigation into the actions of federal agents. The upcoming press conference with Tom Homan is anticipated to provide further clarity on the federal response and future operations in Minneapolis.