Justice Department Opens Civil Rights Probe Into Alex Pretti Shooting
DOJ opens federal civil rights investigation into the Jan. 24 shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis; FBI to lead with Civil Rights Division support.
NPRAlex Pretti shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis prompts DOJ civil rights probe
The GuardianUS DoJ opens federal civil rights investigation into killing of Alex Pretti
BBC NewsCivil rights investigation opened into Alex Pretti shooting
Daily SignalDOJ Opens Civil Rights Probe Into Alex Pretti’s Death
Overview
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division has opened a federal civil rights investigation into the Jan. 24 fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, and said the FBI will lead the probe with support from Homeland Security Investigations.
The announcement follows videos and witness accounts showing Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse and U.S. citizen, being shot multiple times on Jan. 24 while recording immigration officers, amid protests after the Jan. 7 killing of Renee Macklin Good by a federal agent.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection placed two agents involved in the Jan. 24 incident on administrative leave while CBP conducts an internal review, officials said on Thursday.
The investigation excludes Minnesota state investigators from assisting, prompting a state lawsuit seeking preservation of evidence and leaving open the possibility of state charges after local review, officials confirmed.
Deputy Attorney General Blanche said investigators will review video, interview witnesses and may issue subpoenas, and gave no timetable for release of body-camera footage as protests in the Twin Cities continue.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this coverage neutrally. They emphasize official actions and factual context—DHS naming the FBI lead, CBP placing agents on leave, and DOJ involvement—while quoting administration voices (Trump, Homan) and noting prior context (Renee Good). Language is restrained and avoids evaluative framing.