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Federal Officer’s Shooting of Alex Pretti Sparks Hours‑Long Minneapolis Clash and Nationwide Protests

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Officer’s Gunfire Kills 37‑Year‑Old on Eat Street federal immigration officer opened fire at 9 a.m. on Jan 24, killing Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old man, on Minneapolis’s “Eat Street” corridor. Hospital records confirm the fatal shot, and the incident occurred amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement push[1][2].

Crowds Form Memorials and Chant ICE‑Out Slogans Within minutes, dozens to hundreds of demonstrators gathered, surrounding the intersection with yellow tape, flowers, candles and tree branches while shouting “ICE Out” and profanity at officers[1][2][3]. The protest echoed the 2020 George Floyd unrest but remained largely peaceful, avoiding large‑scale rioting[2].

Police Chief Deploys National Guard and Enforces Perimeter Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara ordered Minnesota National Guard members in yellow vests to police a 6‑by‑7‑block zone, restricting traffic and protecting lawful demonstrations[2]. He later demanded “discipline, humanity, and integrity” from federal agents, labeling the gathering unlawful after multiple warnings[3].

Agents Use Pepper Spray, Tear Gas, Flash‑Bangs, Causing Injuries Federal officers deployed pepper spray on a protester whose eyes required washing, released tear‑gas canisters, and fired flash‑bang grenades to disperse the crowd[1][2]. Photographer John Autey, nurse Vincent Hawkins and KARE 11 anchor Jana Shortal each required medical care after exposure to irritants or projectiles[1][4].

Shooting Occurs After Earlier ICE Fatalities and Triggers Nationwide Action The Jan 24 shooting follows a Jan 7 ICE killing that sparked daily protests and a broader federal crackdown that has spread to multiple U.S. cities[2][4]. Civil‑rights groups criticize the rapid deployment of less‑lethal weapons in residential neighborhoods, highlighting health risks and legal challenges[4].

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Timeline

Jan 7, 2026 – An ICE officer fatally shoots Renee Good during a detention encounter in Minneapolis, igniting citywide protests and prompting calls for federal accountability [5][6].

Jan 14, 2026 – Federal agents fire flash‑bang grenades, tear‑gas canisters and an eye‑irritant outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building; DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin says “about 45 violent rioters threatened officers” and eight demonstrators are arrested [5].

Jan 15, 2026 – A federal officer shoots a Venezuelan suspect in the leg after the officer is ambushed with a shovel and broom; the suspect and two accomplices are taken into custody while the officer and suspect receive non‑life‑threatening injuries [9][10][14].

Jan 15, 2026 – Mayor Jacob Frey declares the federal presence “unsustainable” and says the operation “has invaded the city” with a force five times larger than local police [12].

Jan 15, 2026 – Governor Tim Walz calls the situation “chaotic” and vows that accountability will come through the courts [12][9].

Jan 15, 2026 – President Donald Trump posts on social media that he will consider invoking the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials do not stop “professional agitators” [1].

Jan 15, 2026 – A state judge holds the first hearing in a lawsuit challenging the immigration crackdown, ordering the DOJ to respond and keeping the case “on the front burner” [9].

Jan 15, 2026 – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension launches an investigation into the shooting, pledging a thorough review of all leads [4].

Jan 20, 2026 – Protests erupt nationwide after the Good shooting; DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin labels demonstrators “violent rioters” throwing rocks, bottles and fireworks, while two officers sustain injuries [2].

Jan 20, 2026 – Emergency‑room nurse Vincent Hawkins recounts being struck in the face by a tear‑gas canister, describing “blood streaming down my face” and lingering vertigo that hampers his work [2].

Jan 24, 2026 – A federal immigration officer shoots and kills 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti on Minneapolis’ “Eat Street”; protesters quickly erect a makeshift memorial with flowers and candles, and the Minnesota National Guard helps secure a 6‑by‑7‑block safety zone [6].

Jan 24, 2026 – KARE 11 anchor Jana Shortal is pepper‑sprayed after identifying herself as press; Police Chief Brian O’Hara demands that federal agents act with “discipline, humanity, and integrity” during the unrest [11].

Jan 25, 2026 – Images from the Eat Street clash show crowds shouting “cowards” at federal officers, while officers deploy pepper spray and tear gas; photographer John Autey receives medical care after exposure [7].

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