A tense confrontation in Minneapolis erupted into tragedy Saturday, sparking a furious response from former President Trump. A federal agent fatally shot an armed man during a targeted operation focused on an individual wanted for violent assault, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The deceased has been identified as 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a resident of South Minneapolis and, according to reports, an ICU nurse. Initial video circulating online appears to show Pretti actively engaging federal law enforcement agents before the shooting occurred near the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue.
The incident immediately drew condemnation from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who swiftly placed blame on the federal agents involved. This reaction, in turn, ignited a blistering counter-attack from President Trump.
Trump unleashed a series of posts, questioning the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the actions of local authorities. He specifically asked why local police weren’t present to support the federal officers, suggesting they were deliberately held back by the Mayor and Governor.
A central point of Trump’s criticism focused on a photograph of the weapon recovered from the scene – a loaded firearm with additional magazines. He questioned the intent behind carrying such a weapon and demanded answers regarding the missing local police presence.
The former President then turned his attention to Representative Ilhan Omar, raising questions about her personal finances and alleging widespread monetary fraud within Minnesota. He claimed billions of dollars had been stolen from the state, attributing the situation to what he described as a “Democrats’ Open Border Policy.”
Trump characterized the alleged fraud as a “really big Bank Robbery” and accused the Mayor and Governor of orchestrating a “COVER UP.” He insisted that the focus should be on recovering the stolen funds and prosecuting those responsible.
Further emphasizing the role of federal law enforcement, Trump stated that over 12,000 individuals identified as illegal alien criminals, many with histories of violence, had been apprehended and removed from Minnesota. He implied that the current unrest was a consequence of allowing these individuals to remain in the state.
The situation remains highly charged, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between political figures. The incident has quickly become a focal point in the ongoing debate surrounding federal authority, local governance, and border security.
