Shooting Sparks Immediate Contradiction Between Officials and Video The U.S. Border Patrol officer shot Alex Pretti in downtown Minneapolis; surveillance footage shows Pretti being pushed, holding a cell phone, and never brandishing a firearm [1][2]. Homeland Security officials initially described him as an armed aggressor, a claim the video directly refutes [2]. The discrepancy prompted rapid calls for an independent review of the incident [1].

Officials Initially Portrayed Pretti as Armed Aggressor Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel told reporters Pretti “attacked” officers and “brandished” a gun loaded with dozens of rounds [2]. DHS and Vice President JD Vance echoed language calling him an “assassin” planning a massacre [2]. By Sunday, Noem softened her wording to “laying hands,” avoiding the earlier attack narrative [2].

Legal Status of Pretti’s Firearm Confirmed Lawful Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Pretti possessed a valid concealed‑carry permit and was lawfully armed while directing traffic [2]. Patel’s assertion that he illegally carried a loaded weapon conflicted with Minnesota statutes, which allow permit‑holders to carry loaded firearms with multiple magazines at protests [2]. State gun‑rights groups highlighted the misinterpretation of state law and defended Pretti’s rights [2].

Bipartisan Calls Demand Transparent Independent Investigation Senator Bill Cassidy posted on X urging a joint federal‑state probe and full transparency for the American public [1]. Senators John Curtis and other bipartisan lawmakers sent letters demanding an independent investigation to restore trust [1]. Lawmakers emphasized that credible oversight is essential for maintaining public confidence in law‑enforcement agencies [1].

White House Seeks to Separate Trump From Premature Claims Press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the domestic‑terrorist label attached to Pretti did not originate from President Trump, attempting to distance the president from DHS statements [1]. The administration’s shifting narrative has intensified scrutiny of ICE and DHS credibility [1]. Gallup data cited in the report shows a historic decline in public trust toward the federal government [1].