1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to demand an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. The discrepancies between administration claims and available video evidence are deeply troubling and suggest a pattern of deception to justify the killing of a lawfully armed citizen exercising his constitutional rights. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Pretti "attacked" officers and was "brandishing" a gun. Video evidence contradicts both claims. No footage shows Pretti holding a gun at any point. He is seen carrying a cell phone, directing traffic, and recording officers. Footage appears to show a federal agent removing a concealed gun from Pretti's waistband when he was already on the ground, moments before being shot. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed Pretti had a permit to carry and was legally armed, stating he was exercising both his First and Second Amendment rights. FBI Director Kash Patel falsely claimed on Fox News that carrying a firearm to a protest is illegal. Chief O'Hara and the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus confirmed this is completely incorrect under Minnesota law. Pretti, a registered nurse working in an ICU at a Veterans Affairs facility, was a lawful gun owner doing nothing illegal. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller called Pretti "an assassin" who "tried to murder federal agents." No evidence supports this inflammatory claim. Pretti's father told the Associated Press that his son had been protesting immigration actions since another Minneapolis protester, Renee Good, was killed by an ICE agent earlier in January. Notably, administration officials declined to repeat their most incendiary allegations in Sunday interviews after the video evidence emerged. Federal law enforcement agencies are not above the law. When officials make demonstrably false statements to justify a fatal shooting, it erodes public trust and suggests a cover-up. I urge you to call for an independent investigation with subpoena power to determine what happened and hold those responsible accountable.