Visual investigation into Border Patrol killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis

Key Concepts

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Operation: A law enforcement operation targeting a “violent suspect.”
• Alex Prey: Individual present at the scene, allegedly documenting the operation with a cell phone.
• Use of Force: Escalation of force by law enforcement, including pushing, chemical irritant spray, and ultimately, lethal gunfire.
• Evidence from Video Footage: Analysis of multiple videos documenting the confrontation and shooting.
• Weapon Recovery: The recovery of a firearm from Alex Prey’s waist by an officer.
• Timeline of Events: A detailed sequence of events leading up to and following the shooting.

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Initial Confrontation and Escalation (9:00 AM Saturday)

The events leading to Alex Prey’s death began around 9:00 a.m. on Saturday during a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operation aimed at apprehending a “violent suspect.” Prey was present at the scene and, according to reports, was documenting the operation using his cell phone. Approximately two minutes before the shooting, video footage shows Prey engaged in a verbal argument with DHS officers. This initial interaction resulted in an officer physically pushing Prey back towards the sidewalk, while another individual was simultaneously detained. The argument continued, with Prey remaining in the vicinity and continuing to film.

Physical Altercations and Chemical Irritant Deployment

Around one minute after the initial push, Prey was observed standing in the street, directing traffic around him while filming. An officer then approached another individual, seemingly an observer, and pushed her. This individual then moved towards Prey, holding him by the waist. An officer subsequently approached and pushed Prey. A second woman then approached the scene, and was pushed to the ground by the same officer. Following this, the officer deployed a chemical irritant spray directly at Prey. The video footage clearly shows Prey raising his hand in an attempt to shield himself from the spray.

Both Prey and the first woman who was initially held by the waist then moved to assist the woman who had been knocked to the ground, while the officer continued to spray the chemical irritant. The situation escalated further with the arrival of additional officers, who then forcibly dragged Prey to the ground.

Weapon Recovery and Shooting

During the struggle on the ground, an officer wearing gray reached into the altercation and retrieved a handgun. This handgun appears to match the description and photograph of a weapon previously released by the Department of Homeland Security. CBS News footage clearly depicts the officer removing the gun from Prey’s waist. Approximately one second after the weapon was removed, the first shot was fired. The footage, slowed to a quarter of its original speed, demonstrates the extremely rapid sequence between the weapon’s removal and the gunshot.

Following the initial shot, officers moved away from Prey while continuing to discharge their firearms. The footage indicates that Prey did not appear to be moving at the time of the shooting. A total of approximately ten shots were fired by law enforcement.

Post-Shooting Response

Approximately 45 seconds after the shooting ceased, at least one officer approached Prey and knelt beside him. The footage does not detail any immediate medical intervention beyond this initial approach.

Technical Term Explanation:

• Chemical Irritant: A substance, such as pepper spray, used by law enforcement to temporarily incapacitate individuals.

This account is based solely on the analysis of video footage obtained by CBS News and information provided by the Department of Homeland Security regarding the operation and the suspect’s potential possession of a firearm.