Federal agents kill a second person in Minneapolis, sparking protests and a political clash between local leaders and the Trump administration.
MINNEAPOLIS: The killing of a US citizen by federal immigration agents has sparked new protests and demands for an end to a federal operation in the city.
It is the second such fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
Federal agents shot dead Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during a scuffle on an icy roadway.
This follows the death of Renee Good, also 37, who was shot by an immigration officer in her car less than three weeks earlier.
The Trump administration claimed Pretti intended to harm federal agents, a claim it also made after Good’s death.
The Department of Homeland Security pointed to a pistol and ammunition it said was discovered on Pretti.
“He was there to perpetuate violence,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told a briefing.
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller referred to Pretti as an “assassin” in a post amplified by Vice President JD Vance.
Cell phone footage of the incident raised serious questions about the federal government’s description.
Video aired by US media shows Pretti filming agents and directing traffic on a snow-lined street.
After an agent shoves a woman protester to the ground, Pretti steps between them and is sprayed with a chemical irritant.
The agent then pulls Pretti to the ground, and several officers struggle to detain him on the ice.
Seconds later, as an officer pulls a gun from Pretti’s pants, agents open fire, also shooting his motionless body several times from a distance.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the shooting “horrific” and demanded state authorities lead the investigation.
“The federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation. The state will handle it, period,” Walz said.
Federal authorities controversially blocked local investigators from jointly probing Good’s death.
Republican President Donald Trump accused Democratic leaders Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of “inciting insurrection” with their rhetoric.
Trump had previously threatened to send troops to Minnesota by invoking the Insurrection Act.
Thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been deployed to the Democratic-led city as part of a deportation campaign.
Public outrage was also rekindled earlier this week by the detention of a five-year-old boy as federal agents sought to arrest his father.
Mayor Frey urged Trump to end the federal immigration operation, which has sparked sometimes violent demonstrations.
“This is a moment to act like a leader. Put Minneapolis, put America first in this moment — let’s achieve peace. Let’s end this operation.”
Police chief Brian O’Hara said an “incredibly volatile scene” erupted after the shooting as protesters arrived.
O’Hara said Minnesota National Guard troops would help secure a vehicle exclusion zone set up around the site.
Local resident Maria, 56, said the situation in the city was “escalating.”
“They’re attacking and terrorizing our communities right now.”
Hundreds of protesters gathered in a park in Minneapolis on Saturday evening despite bitterly cold temperatures.
The shooting comes a day after tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown Minneapolis to voice opposition to the federal operation.
O’Hara said police believed Pretti was a “lawful gun owner with a permit to carry” without a serious criminal background.
Some gun rights advocates raised concerns after the administration linked Pretti’s legal gun possession to an intent to do harm.
The Gun Owners of America condemned a statement by federal prosecutor Bill Essayli, who said on X that approaching law enforcement with a gun likely justifies a shooting.
“The Second Amendment protects Americans’ right to bear arms while protesting — a right the federal government must not infringe upon,” GOA said.
