Protests Spread Across Cities
The shooting quickly ignited large protests in Minneapolis, with hundreds of demonstrators confronting armed and masked federal agents. Authorities deployed tear gas and flashbang grenades as crowds gathered in the neighborhood.
Demonstrations also erupted in New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and other cities, marking the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis this month.
The incident further escalated tensions following the January 7 killing of Renee Good, another U.S. citizen, during a separate federal immigration operation.
Officials Clash Over Investigation
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sharply criticized the federal response after reviewing the footage.
“I’ve seen the video from several angles and it’s sickening,” Walz said. “The federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation – the state will handle it.”
Drew Evans, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said federal agents prevented state investigators from immediately accessing the scene.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti was a lawful gun owner and had no criminal history beyond traffic violations. He urged calm as city police and state troopers moved to stabilize the area.
“Please do not destroy our city,” O’Hara said.
Nearby institutions, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art, closed due to security concerns, and an NBA Minnesota Timberwolves game was postponed.
