Minneapolis witnessed a disturbing and chaotic incident earlier this week that ended with the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti. He was shot by a US Border Patrol agent during a street encounter. Now, a detailed review of video footage is providing a clearer picture of what happened just before the shooting.
The new analysis has drawn attention because it appears to show a calmer interaction than previously described by authorities.
Calm exchange before tensions rose
According to video footage reviewed by CNN, Pretti appeared to be speaking with federal agents in the street. The interaction looked controlled and non-violent at first. The footage suggests the exchange was calm and verbal.
🚨BREAKING: A video is going viral of another angle of the shooting showing Alex Pretti’s hands EMPTY mere seconds before the fatal shot.
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) January 24, 2026
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TMZ reported that Pretti had his hands raised in front of his chest and was holding a cellphone. The report said the conversation did not seem physical until one agent placed a hand on Pretti and began pushing him toward the curb.
Scuffle breaks out as officers intervene
The situation escalated quickly after that. A scuffle followed, according to the video analysis. In the footage, another officer can be seen reaching into the struggle.
That officer then emerges holding what appeared to be Pretti’s firearm. As this happens, agents can be heard shouting, “he’s got a gun,” while the unidentified officer pulls the weapon from Pretti’s waistband. Other agents are seen trying to restrain and subdue him.
Gunfire follows moments later
Just over a second after the officer walked away with the gun, a single shot was fired. At least nine more shots followed soon after, according to the report.
It remains unclear whether the officer who seized the weapon told others that he had already taken it. It is also not known which agent fired the first shot.
Official account questioned by video
The US Department of Homeland Security described the incident as an effort to disarm an armed suspect. In its statement, the agency said: “The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted…Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots.”
However, CNN reported that in the video clips it reviewed, Pretti was not seen holding a weapon before the fatal shots. Earlier footage showed him holding only a cellphone.
Weapon legally owned, authorities confirm
Local authorities later confirmed that Pretti did have a firearm at the scene. They said the gun and two magazines were recovered after the shooting.
Officials also said Pretti legally owned the weapon and had a valid permit. The case has continued to raise questions as investigators work to determine exactly how and why the shooting unfolded.