Federal authorities have stopped sharing evidence with Minnesota investigators probing the January killing of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and Veterans Affairs nurse, by immigration enforcement officers. The Department of Justice has not charged anyone in the case, and the Prettis say they have received no updates since their son’s death nine months ago.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s office confirmed last week that federal officials ceased providing information related to the investigation. The disclosure came as Michael and Susan Pretti, Pretti’s parents, held a news conference Tuesday demanding the release of all evidence and accountability for their son’s killing.
What happened on January 24
Pretti, 37, was fatally shot during a confrontation between federal immigration officers and protesters in Minneapolis. The officers were part of a Trump administration operation targeting immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Pretti’s parents and their attorney allege he was unarmed and holding only a mobile phone when he was killed.
Federal officials initially described Pretti as an armed disruptor who violently resisted arrest. Then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated he had committed an act of domestic terrorism and resisted officers with a firearm. Court records, however, show Pretti had no criminal record, and no video evidence has emerged supporting the claim he brandished a weapon.
Federal response and legal action
The Department of Justice has not provided substantive updates to Pretti’s family or Minnesota authorities, according to the Prettis. A DOJ spokesperson stated that communications with victims’ families typically occur later in an investigation, such as during indictment or trial phases.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s office filed a lawsuit in March against the Trump administration to compel the release of evidence related to Pretti’s death, as well as two other shootings involving ICE officers in Minnesota. The federal government has not disclosed the identities of the officers involved, despite requests from the Prettis.
Family’s call for accountability
Speaking at a news conference organized by their attorney, Michael and Susan Pretti described their treatment by federal authorities as cruel and misleading. They stated that officials had slandered their son’s memory to deflect responsibility for his death.
“The federal government went on TV and lied about Alex,” Susan Pretti said. “They tried to slander his memory to cover up their crime. Not only was it wrong, it was shameful.”
The Prettis emphasized they are not seeking political activism but only justice and transparency regarding their son’s killing. No charges have been filed in connection with the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.