DHS Report: Two Federal Agents Fired Shots in Alex Pretti Incident
MINNEAPOLIS — A preliminary report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) submitted to Congress on Tuesday (January 27, 2026) has confirmed that two federal agents discharged their weapons during the incident that led to the death of nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last weekend.
Details from the DHS Report
According to the notification sent to Congressional committees, the specific identities of the agents have not yet been publicly released. However, the report classified their roles and service weapons:
Agent 1: A member of the Border Patrol, who fired a standard Glock 19.
Agent 2: A member of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who fired a Glock 47.
Key Discrepancies and Findings
This new report has sparked significant controversy as it highlights major deviations from the administration’s initial statements:
No Mention of a Gun Threat: Contrary to earlier claims by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem that Pretti had “approached and threatened” agents with a firearm, the report to Congress makes no mention of the victim drawing a weapon or attempting an attack.
Sequence of Events: Analysis of scene footage suggests Pretti was holding a phone to record the interaction. After being pepper-sprayed and tackled to the ground, shots were fired while he was being restrained.
Legal Status: Local authorities have confirmed that Alex Pretti was a law-abiding citizen and a valid concealed carry permit holder in the state of Minnesota.
Public and Political Reaction
The incident has pushed tensions in Minneapolis to a breaking point. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Democratic lawmakers are demanding an independent third-party investigation and have called for Secretary Kristi Noem’s resignation, citing her initial labeling of the victim as a “domestic terrorist” as defamatory.
Note: Investigating agencies are currently withholding the names of the two agents to ensure their safety and to allow for the full forensic review of body-cam footage.
