1. United States
2. S.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to demand a comprehensive investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on January 24, 2025. This incident, along with the killing of Renee Good, represents a disturbing pattern of federal agents using lethal force against American citizens who posed no threat. Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse who cared for veterans. On the day he was killed, he was lawfully recording federal agents' activity with his phone. Bystander video shows that after attempting to help a woman pushed by agents, Pretti was pepper sprayed and tackled by multiple agents. Though Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a carry permit, video evidence confirms he never had his weapon in hand or used it to threaten anyone. An agent removed the gun from Pretti's hip while he was restrained. A New York Times video analysis found at least 10 shots were fired within five seconds while Pretti appeared to be on his knees and face down after being hit with chemical agents. The Trump administration's response has been to characterize Pretti as an assassin who wanted to massacre law enforcement. This narrative is contradicted by multiple videos showing a legal observer holding only a camera with no signs of aggression. When federal officials lie about circumstances surrounding a citizen's death, it erodes public trust and accountability. Several of your Republican colleagues have already raised concerns. Rep. Andrew Garbarino called for testimony from ICE, Border Patrol, and USCIS leadership. Sen. Bill Cassidy stated that ICE's credibility is at stake and called for a full joint federal and state investigation. Even former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene acknowledged that legally carrying a firearm is not the same as brandishing one. I urge you to join these calls for accountability. Americans exercising their First and Second Amendment rights should not be killed by federal agents and then slandered by their own government. This demands your immediate attention and action.