Alex Pretti’s family say they have no answers nine months after federal agents killed him
Alex Pretti’s Family Say They Still Need Answers
Goldlaner.com – Alex Pretti s family say they are still waiting for clear answers nine months after federal immigration agents fatally shot their son during an operation in Minneapolis. His parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, say the Justice Department has not provided meaningful information about the federal investigation.
Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse and a US citizen. He was killed in January after an encounter with immigration agents in Minneapolis, where video recorded key moments before gunfire erupted.
Family Raises Concerns About Federal Investigation
In a July letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, the family’s lawyer accused the Justice Department of failing to meet obligations to crime victims’ families. The letter argued that the lack of substantive updates has added to the family’s grief.
“The government’s pattern of conduct is not only unconscionable, but unlawful,” the letter states.
The Prettis met with Dan Rosen, the US attorney for the District of Minnesota, on July 13. On that same day, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty publicly said federal authorities had supplied extensive evidence related to the shooting.
According to the family’s attorney, Rosen did not discuss the evidence or confirm the sharing arrangement. Alex Pretti s family say they have been left unable to determine the status of the inquiry or understand what prosecutors may do next.
“It is impossible to convey how the government’s refusal to engage in transparent communication with the Pretti family has compounded their heartbreak,” the letter says.
The family also said Rosen did not explain why he could not discuss the case. The letter quotes him as saying, “I can’t tell you for all kinds of reasons,” without identifying those reasons.
State Officials Seek the Remaining Case File
The dispute over information has extended beyond the Pretti family. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is pursuing litigation against the Justice Department to obtain federal investigative material that state officials say remains unavailable.
Federal investigators had briefly agreed to provide evidence to state law enforcement, Ellison said, but that cooperation later stopped. He has argued that officials cannot fully evaluate the matter without the complete file.
“Any prosecutor can tell you you can’t go forward with half a file. You need the whole thing,” Ellison said.
Access to the full record can affect whether prosecutors can assess witness accounts, review physical evidence and decide whether further action is warranted. The disagreement underscores the challenges that arise when federal and local authorities hold different parts of an investigation.
Video Became Central to Public Scrutiny
Video from the Minneapolis encounter raised questions about early official descriptions of what happened. Witness Nilson Barahona said agents had attempted to arrest someone who ran into a donut shop after its doors were locked.
As agents stayed outside, bystanders gathered, filmed with their phones, shouted and blew whistles. Agents detained one observer during the activity.
Pretti can be seen approaching a confrontation involving agents and an observer. He was sprayed in the face with pepper spray, and while he was kneeling and bent forward, an officer shouted, “Gun! Gun! Gun!”
One agent then removed a gun from Pretti’s waistband and stepped away while holding it. Another agent drew a service weapon around the same time. The footage has become an important part of continuing public questions about the shooting and the investigation that followed.
FAQ: The Minneapolis Investigation
What does Alex Pretti s family say they want from federal officials? The family is seeking substantive updates and clearer communication about the federal investigation into his death.
When will the family speak publicly? Pretti’s parents and their attorney are scheduled to hold a news conference at 11 a.m. CT Tuesday, their first media appearance since his death.
Why is Minnesota seeking federal records? State officials say they need the remaining investigative material to fully assess the case and determine what steps may be appropriate.