Officials said a Border Patrol agent fired during a struggle to disarm a suspect during an immigration enforcement operation.
A coalition of Minnesota’s biggest employers—including Target, 3M, and UnitedHealth Group—issued a joint appeal on Jan. 25, calling for a de-escalation of tensions following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man by a Border Patrol agent during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
The open letter, circulated by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and signed by more than 60 CEOs and civic leaders, said Minnesota has faced “widespread disruption and tragic loss of life” in recent weeks and urged “peace and focused cooperation among local, state and federal leaders” to help restore stability.
“With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,” the coalition wrote in the letter.
The business community’s appeal for calm followed the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, on Jan. 24 as Border Patrol agents conducted an arrest in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said agents were attempting to apprehend an illegal immigrant wanted for “violent assault” when Pretti approached them. The DHS said Pretti had a “9 mm semi-automatic handgun,” no identification, and was carrying two additional magazines.
“The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted,” DHS said, adding that an agent fired “defensive shots” after fearing for his life and the safety of other officers. DHS said medics provided medical aid, but Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene.
Videos from the scene circulating on social media appear to show Pretti holding an object in his hand as he struggles with agents.
His family said in a statement shared by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) that Pretti was “clearly not holding a gun” but instead had “his phone in his right hand, and his empty left hand is raised above his head.”
Pretti’s parents identified him as an intensive care unit nurse and said he was a “kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends” and a “good man.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.
By Tom Ozimek
