1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to demand an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis. The facts of this case reveal a deeply troubling incident that requires immediate congressional oversight. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was recording masked federal agents when they pepper-sprayed him and shoved him to the ground. According to a sworn declaration from a witness doctor, Pretti sustained at least three bullet wounds in his back. He was holding a cell phone when initially confronted, not a weapon. While Pretti did have a legally-carried concealed weapon, it remained holstered and was only discovered after agents had already restrained him. The witness confirmed Pretti never brandished his weapon. Despite this evidence, government officials have misrepresented the incident. Greg Bovino claimed Pretti wanted to "massacre law enforcement." The Department of Homeland Security stated Pretti approached agents with a handgun. Secretary Kristi Noem claimed he assaulted officers and used weapons against them. These statements contradict the physical evidence and eyewitness testimony. A man was shot multiple times in the back while his weapon remained holstered. The Department of Homeland Security is currently blocking investigations into this incident. This obstruction is unacceptable. Former DHS Secretary Tom Ridge, who helped establish the department in 2002, called these actions "lawlessness, fascism, and cruelty." When someone who created this agency condemns its conduct in such stark terms, we must listen. I urge you to demand full transparency from DHS, support an independent investigation with subpoena power, and ensure that video evidence and witness testimony are preserved and made public. Alex Pretti's family and the American people deserve answers about why a nurse recording federal agents ended up shot in the back and killed.